Sheffield United 3 Oldham 0: Adkins thrilled with Blades display

Nigel Adkins’s side had won just two games in their last nine League One outings.

But United took the lead on 10 minutes, Ben Whiteman involved, before John Brayford fired home a volley from outside the box.

It was 2-0 on 21 minutes. A superb run was matched by a fine finish from midfielder Ryan Flynn, firing home from an angle after rounding goalkeeper Joel Coleman.

The first half had arguably been the best 45 minutes of the season from the Blades.

Curtis Main smashed a long-range effort against the crossbar for Oldham with 20 minutes remaining, but United looked in control of the game.

United were rewarded when Billy Sharp fired home a third goal to complete a satisfying afternoon’s work for the Blades.

Adkins said: “We’ve started brightly; the last couple of games we’ve done alright but we haven’t converted the chances we’ve created. We got off to a great start with good goals from John Brayford and Ryan Flynn.

“I thought we were exhilarating at times going forward. Everyone worked hard to press them in the right areas and got forward well. It was a very attack-minded set-up.

“Our two wing-backs, Matty Done and Brayford, really had a licence to get forwards and I thought they did ever so well. There were some great performances and young Ben Whiteman in midfield, making his first Football League start, had a super game.

“I have the belief and trust in the young players. I want the youngsters to come through the system. They know there’s a pathway for them and if they’re good enough they’ll get the opportunities. “Overall, it was a good team performance.”

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