Match Centre: Sheffield United 3-1 Salisbury City

Goals from Chris Porter, Ched Evans and an own-goal from Salisbury’s Danny Webb sealed victory for The Blades before a strike from Lloyd Macklin gave the visitors something to cheer.

Porter latched on to Lee Williamson’s pass to side-foot past Mark Scott and the Blades made it 2-0 when Kevin McDonald’s effort flicked in off Evans.

Salisbury defender Danny Webb turned a cross into his own net before Macklin smashed home for City from 25 yards.

It could have been worse for the Whites had United taken more of their chances. Defender Neil Collins had a header blocked on the line in the 10th minute and the Blades missed several good chances

Blades boss Danny Wilson said: “I think in the first half we could have put the game to bed with the opportunities we had. We weren’t as clinical as we would have liked but their goalkeeper had an outstanding game.

“Going in only 1-0 up still gives them some help hope and I have to say they’ve pushed us all the way. They’ve worked their tails off against us.

“You can’t take away from Salisbury how they’ve approached the game. They were very offensive, but they also did a defensive job. They were very good coming forward at times and they’ve got some great pace in the team.”

Striker James Beattie is on the bench as he still waits to make his first Blades start since returning to Bramall Lane.

Defender Matthew Lowton misses out again with a hamstring injury. Ertl starts in defence after 10 months out with a knee injury but defender Chris Morgan (knee) remains sidelined.

For the full report and reaction read Sports Monday free inside your Yorkshire Post.