Charlton Athletic moved five points clear at the top of League One with a win against one of their title rivals on Saturday.
Sheffield United fans are probably now realising that League One is not the stroll in the park some were anticipating.
Defeat at Wycombe last week was followed by yesterday’s defeat by Charlton. With Huddersfield also taking all three points at Bramall Lane, trips to Preston and Leyton Orient, and visits from Sheffield Wednesday and Milton Keynes Dons comprising their next four fixtures, Danny Wilson’s side are facing a stern examination of their promotion credentials. Powell’s side faced a similar examination this week and came through unscathed.
Charlton took a 20 man squad to Bramall Lane, the 16 who were in the squad at Milton Keynes plus Cedric Evina, Mikel Alonso, Michael Smith and Jason Euell.
Powell was able to name an unchanged team with Bradley Wright-Phillips fit to play his third game in a week, and Wagstaff keeping his place ahead of Green.
The first half was fairly even with the Blades just shading it. Both sides spurned glorious opportunities to take the lead, United hitting the post from close in and Michael Morrison shooting wide from close range for the Addicks.
The match was settled in a three minute segment midway through the second period. After 64 minutes, the ineffective Paul Hayes was replaced by Yann Kermorgant as Charlton prepared to take a corner. The Frenchman trotted into the area and seconds later the ball was nestling in the back of United’s net via the back of Kermorgant’s head.
Three minutes later the Addicks doubled their lead.Wright-Phillips had a clear run on goal but his initial effort struck Steve Simonsen, came back and rebounded off the striker past the stranded keeper. Wright-Phillips had the simple task of slotting the ball into the unguarded goal. The top-scorer was ecstatic as he hurdled the advertising hoardings behind the goal.
The Blades pressed on without showing any real belief that they could get back into the match, though they did strike the inside of the post deep into stoppage time.
Rapturous celebrations from fans and players alike at the end with no-one more happy than physio, Erol Umut, his magic on Wright-Phillips’ knees had worked again. Chris Powell was even persuaded to do his famed tunnel leap. Heady days at The Valley.
Charlton: Hamer; Solly, Taylor, Morrison, Wiggins; Wagstaff (Hughes 86), Stephens, Hollands, Jackson; Hayes (Kermorgant 64), Wright-Phillips (Green 78).
Subs (not used): Sullivan, Cort.
Goals: Kermorgant 64, Wright-Phillips 67.
Booked: Wagstaff 59 (foul).
Sheff Utd: Simonsen; Lowton, Maguire, Collins, Jean-Francois; Williamson (Flynn 74), Doyle, McDonald, Quinn; Evans, Porter (Cresswell 66).
Subs (not used): Long, Montgomery, Parrino.
Referee: Scott Mathieson (Cheshire).
Attn: 20,743.