Derby County

MATCH REPORT: Derby County win close game against Sheffield United

Derby County won a close pre-season friendly against Sheffield United thanks to a penalty from former Blade Nick Blackman.

The Rams have been very busy this week having already taken on United’s League 1 rivals Walsall and Chesterfield, and they capped it off by traveling to Bramall Lane and managed to just edge a game against a team hoping to join Derby in the Championship next season.

The first part of the game was typical pre-season fare, with neither team really pressing for a goal. The better team was actually Sheffield United who had a bit more energy about them and looked to get to the ball first. But neither team was able to have a real chance on goal.

That was until a cross from Cyrus Christie made contact with James Wilson’s hand and the referee immediately pointed to the penalty spot. Nick Blackman, who spent six months with Sheffield United back in 2012, then stepped up and sent George Long the wrong way to score.

Then in the second half, Derby took control of the game. Their midfielders got to see more of the ball and while that meant Derby controlled more possession, they weren’t able to convert that into clear-cut chances.

It was actually United who came closest to getting the next goal, even though they had less of the ball in the second half. A good link up between Billy Sharp and Marc McNulty have the latter some space to send a volley towards goal but he sent it well wide. Derby came close at the other end but Timi Max Elsnik’s strike was well saved by Long.

The win will give Derby some confidence despite the fact they struggled to make many chances. United will be happy despite the loss as they were able to show a strong defence which will be crucial to their promotion bid.

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