Birmingham City 2 Sheffield United 1: How the Blades rated

Jack O'Connell of Sheffield Utd tackled by David Davis of Birmingham City. Picture: Simon Bellis/Sportimage

Richard Sutcliffe delivers his player ratings after Sheffield United suffered a setback in their chase for a Championship play-off spot.

Blackman 6

No chance with Roberts’ equaliser but saved smartly from Jutkiewicz downward header early in second half. Beaten smartly by Maghoma for winner.

Basham 6

His wild tackle on Jota handed the hosts a free-kick in hugely threatening area but no further damage was down after Blues man fired into the wall.

Stearman 6

Bravely threw himself in front of thunderous drive from Che Adams, typifying his spirited approach.

O’Connell 7

Brave block denied Davis on the edge of United’s penalty area after a swift break. Booked for what was a perfectly good tackle on Maghoma.

Baldock 6

Got forward to support attack when possible, his cross just evading the on-rushing Fleck in the first half.

Evans 6

Released Duffy for opening goal and then brought a brilliant save from Stockdale when trying to double visitors advantage. Like many in the visitors ranks, however, his influence faded.

Fleck 7

Fortunate to avoid serious injury when scythed down by Harding during the first half with a tackle that earned the defender a yellow card when it could have been red.

Lundstram 5

Battled hard but struggled at times to make much of an impression as the hosts grew in confidence. Substituted.

Stevens 6

Got away with a back-heel on the edge of his own penalty area in the early stages. Tried in vain to provide the attacking thrust out wide that United needed once pegged back.

Duffy 6

Charged with getting forward in support of Donaldson, he did just that by opening the scoring. Booked for his celebrations in front of former club’s fans and then faded as the hosts took control. Substituted.

Donaldson 5

Well marshalled by Marc Roberts, his afternoon best summed up midway through the second half when, offered the chance to run at Morrison, he hesitated and was subsequently knocked off the ball by Harding. Substituted.

Substitutes

Sharp (for Lundstram 60) 5

Struggled for the opening he needed.

Brooks (for Duffy 71)

Needed lengthy treatment just a few minutes after coming off the bench.

Wilson (for Donaldson 82) -

Unable to make much of an impact..