Sheffield United 1 Portsmouth 0: Speed relieved with victory

Evans blamed Blackwell's style of football for his lack of goals last season and insisted he would do better under new manager Gary Speed.

The Welsh international cost 3m from Manchester City but found the net only four times as the Blades failed to make the play-offs.

His attack on Blackwell, however, smacked of passing the buck since no one could have showed more faith in the 21-year-old.

If Evans had only put away more of the opportunities that fell his way last season, the Blades would probably have finished in the top six.

Ironically, Evans was just about to be substituted by Speed moments before scoring his goal from a 25-yard free-kick.

"I know I am capable of more," said Evans. "But I am better suited to playing football on the floor.

"Last season I was coming off frustrated, thinking I haven't even had a chance.

"Defenders in this league are like Chris Morgan, big and ugly, and they are always going to win balls in the air against me.

"Now we are passing the ball, playing on the floor, and showing how good we can be.

"I am sure it is much more enjoyable for people watching rather than coming and watching us just hoof the ball. It's much more entertaining for everybody."

Hailing Speed's impact, Evans said: "Training is different and his views are different to Kevin Blackwell's.

"He has played the game and been one of the best players and he knows what he is going on about.

"All the players in the squad have respect for Gary because of what he has done. He is a top manager."

The Blades have won three out of five since Speed replaced Blackwell last month although they struggled to create chances against bottom-of-the-table Pompey.

Goalkeeper Steve Simonsen pulled off a number of fine saves to keep the scoreline blank before Evans scored from a controversially awarded free-kick with 14 minutes to go.

Referee Grant Hegley whistled for handball when a pass from Evans struck the back of defender Carl Dickinson and bobbled onto his arm.

Portsmouth manager Steve Cotterill was furious about the decision, saying: "It hit his backside then went up onto his hand – he wasn't even looking at the ball. I know that because I have just watched it again.

"We got a couple of cheap freekicks after that but what's the point when the important one has been missed?"

Speed recalled captain Chris Morgan after a three-match absence but the defender lasted only 24 minutes before suffering a hamstring injury.

Scans today will reveal whether Morgan will be available for next weekend's Yorkshire derby at Leeds United.

The loss of Morgan was not a major problem for the Blades on Saturday as substitute Nyron Nosworthy had played the last three games at centre-back and only blotted his copybook in one, the midweek defeat against Scunthorpe United.

Portsmouth were marginally the better team in the first half, playing with real confidence despite their position at the foot of the division.

But, as the game progressed, it became apparent that the Blades were fitter and more resolute.

The Blades had not mustered a shot on goal until three minutes before half-time when midfielder Johnny Ertl drove wide from the edge of the box after a pull-back by Evans.

Speed took midfielder Nick Montgomery off soon after the break and switched to a 4-4-2. It was an inspired move.

The Blades had been playing with Leon Britton in a deeper holding role until that point and with two strikers dropping back as wingers whenever Portsmouth were in possession.

It clearly was not working, demonstrated by the on-going failure to test goalkeeper Jamie Ashdown.

The Blades need a strong striker capable of running at opposition defenders. The current options are limited with Darius Henderson out injured and only Daniel Bogdanovic in reserve.

Speed admitted that his side can play better but was delighted that lessons had been learned from Tuesday's undeserved defeat against Scunthorpe.

"Credit to Portsmouth;, they played very well, they closed us down and stopped us playing," said Speed.

"Sometimes that happens in this league and you have to keep your discipline, keep your shape, and keep a clean sheet, which we didn't do the other night.

"We are all learning and we all learned a lot on Tuesday," he added.

"We kept our shape and discipline this time which is what it's all about in this league.

"If you are not playing well, you have to make sure your team sticks together and keeps its discipline."

MATCH FOCUS

Hero: Steve Simonsen

The Blades goalkeeper made a number of important saves to keep Portsmouth at bay. Denied John Utaka in the first half and foiled both David Nugent and Liam Lawrence after the break.

Villain: Kanu

Jeered by home fans, the former Arsenal striker has still not been forgiven for his role in the goal that sparked a

FA Cup replay fifth round replay 11 years ago.

Key moment

76th minute: Blades manager Gary Speed delays the planned substitution of striker Ched Evans in order to let him take a free-kick. Evans subsequently finds the net.

Ref watch

Grant Hegley: Sparked a major controversy by awarding a free-kick for alleged handball against Portsmouth defender Carl Dickinson. Also inconsistent with his cards.

Verdict

It is now three wins out of five for the Blades, who had to dig in under pressure from Portsmouth before finishing the stronger.

Quote of the day

I was just about to make a sub but I thought I would leave

it for a couple of minutes until he had took

the free-kick.

Blades manager Gary Speed on the winning goal from Ched Evans.

Next game

Leeds United; Saturday, September 25, away; Championship.

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