Carlisle 1 Sheff U 0: Robson’s sole strike is enough to sink Blades

SHEFFIELD United’s early-season miseries were compounded by this defeat to manager-less Carlisle United.
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Both sides have found points and goals in short supply.

The only goal in this game came after Harry Maguire was cautioned for fouling Matt Robson who was in the process of initiating a dangerous counter attack.

It led to Carlisle taking a 54th-minute and ultimately decisive lead. Visiting goalkeeper George Long saved Robson’s free-kick but, from the resulting corner, Robson had better luck with a header from close-range.

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In the first half Jose Baxter had been a cause of concern to the Cumbrian side both in midfield and attack.

At the other end the Blades survived a loud penalty appeal when Long and Lewis Guy collided in the box.

Carlisle’s caretaker-manager Graham Kavanagh, a former Sheffield Wednesday player, showed his disgust with the decision by hurling his water bottle to the ground.

Going a goal behind prompted the Blades’ manager David Weir to make a double substitution, Joe Ironside and Stephen McGinn making way for Lyle Taylor and Callum McFadzean just beyond the hour mark.

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The latter quickly made his presence felt by earning a caution for a foul on Leon McSweeney as tempers began to fray.

James Berrett joined McFadzean in the referee’s notebook after tangling with Michael Doyle.

United should have equalised on 72 minutes but, not for the first time this term, their lack of a cutting edge in front of goal cost them dear.

Taylor and Baxter combined to release McFadzean but Darryl Westlake could not turn home his low drive across the six-yard box.

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Carlisle United: Gillespie, McSweeney, O’Hanlon, Archibald-Henville, Robson, Amoo, Noble (Potts 88), Guy (Townsend 33), Thirlwell, Berrett, Miller (Beck 84). Unused substitutes: Livesey, Gillies, Symington, Fleming.

Sheffield United: Long, McMahon, Maguire, Collins, Hill, Westlake (Bunn 76), Doyle, Cuvelier, Baxter, McGinn (McFadzean 62), Ironside (Taylor 61). Unused substitutes: Howard, Coady, McGinty, Eyre.

Referee: D Bond (Lancashire).