Oxford United 2 Sheffield United 3: Sharp the focal point as Blades surge clear

Billy Sharp celebrates scoring the equalising goal against Oxford.(Picture: Robin Parker/Sportimage)

The prolific striker bagged his 25th and 26th goals this term in the second half at the Kassam Stadium.

His first cancelled out Cheyenne Dunkley’s opener before Kieron Freeman handed the visitors the lead. Sharp then netted his second from the spot as the Blades moved eight points clear at the summit of League One.

Antonio Martinez grabbed a consolation at the death, but it was too little too late. Early on James Hanson hammered an effort over for the Blades. Dunkley leapt highest to nod home Chris Maguire’s corner for his third goal of the season in the 22nd minute. In stoppage time James Hanson could only head over from Daniel Lafferty’s cross.

Billy Sharp scores the equaliser for Sheffield United (Picture: Robin Parker/Sportimage)

After going in behind at the break, the Blades blasted their opposition with three second-half goals. Sharp slotted home from close range ten minutes after the restart. Then Freeman was found in aches of space on the edge of the box as his effort flew in off the post.

Freeman was tripped inside the area on 76 minutes with Sharp stepping up to seal the win. Late on Martinez smashed past Simon Moore.

Oxford United: Eastwood, Edwards, Dunkley, Nelson, Johnson, Maguire, Lundstram, Ledson (Rothwell, 64), Hall (Sercombe, 80), McAleny, Hemmings (Martinez, 80). Unused substitutes: Stevens, Skarz, Ruffles, Raglan.

Sheffield United: Moore, Basham, Wright (Carruthers, 26), O’Connell, Freeman, Ebanks-Landell, Coutts, Fleck, Lafferty, Sharp, Hanson (Lavery, 53). Unused substitutes: Long, O’Shea, Wilson, McNulty, Done.

Referee: P Tierney (Lancashire).