Coventry City v Sheffield United: Blades’ dominance rewarded

United dominated the first half but failed to make their superiority count and looked to have paid the price when Stephen Elliott smashed home an impressive left-foot shot in the 62nd minute.

But six minutes from time Blackman was there to turn home a cross from substitute Shaun Miller.

Danny Wilson’s men could, and really should, have been in front in the 11th minute when a quickly-taken free-kick from Stephen Quinn caught Coventry City napping.

Goalkeeper Joe Murphy was committed but when Kevin 
McDonald fired goalwards, former Owl Richard Wood was back to clear off the line.

Tony McMahon also tested Murphy with a 25-yard free-kick.

McDonald and Quinn were bossing midfield but too often their work went unrewarded when the ball was played forward.

At the other end, the Blades were in trouble only when the home side, playing at this level for the first time for 40 years, moved the ball out wide.

Coventry appeared to find their feet in the second half and looked far more dangerous.

United survived a scare when Mark Howard grabbed the ball at the last moment as Kevin Malaga’s header looked set to cross the line.

Two minutes later they did not escape when Elliott lashed home a fierce shot from a punt downfield by Murphy. But they responded and Blackman notched his goal neatly with six minutes left.

Coventry City: Murphy; Brown, Malaga, Wood, Hussey; Barton, Kilbane, Jennings, Baker (McSheffrey 88); Elliott (Ball 84), McDonald. Unused substitutes: Dunn, O’Donovan, Edjenguele, Willis, Daniels.

Sheffield United: Howard; McMahon, Maguire, Collins, Hill; McAllister, McDonald, Doyle; Quinn; Cofie (Miller 61mins), Blackman. Unused substitutes: Long, Flynn, Harriott, Philliskirk, Ironside, Williams.

Referee: P Tierney (Lancashire).