Sheffield U 2 Brentford 2: Blades are denied on dramatic night at the Lane

Four penalties, four goals, three red cards – small wonder much of the attention centred on referee Keith Stroud.

In among the mayhem, however, a football match broke out and both sides, having led at some stage, had to be content with a share of the spoils.

Dave Kitson’s header in front of the Kop looked to have sealed a vital three points for Sheffield United, before Bradley Wright-Phillips –a former United target – netted a dramatic leveller.

Earlier, Marcello Trotta had put the visitors ahead from the spot, after George Long was adjudged to have brought down Donaldson.

United were then handed a chance to equalise with another penalty award, but Tony McMahon blazed his spot-kick against the bar.

Stroud sent off Brentford captain Tony Craig for an off-the-ball incident with Kitson before awarding a third penalty, to United, and substitute Barry Robson thumped it home to equalise.

Kitson looked to have sealed all three points for United with a late header, but after Long had saved a fourth spot-kick, from Sam Saunders, Wright-Phillips struck just minutes from time to break United’s hearts.

In the closing exchanges, Harry Maguire and Clayton Donaldson were both sent off for second bookable offences.

Morgan, a battle-hardened player-turned-manager who wears the scars of his near-500 professional appearances. looked like this game aged him considerably.

On Saturday, United marked his first game in charge since inheriting the job from Danny Wilson with a performance which simply overpowered Swindon Town.

Against Brentford, however, they were forced to adopt a more pragmatic approach to the opening exchanges.

Uwe Rösler’s well-drilled outfit, third in League One, made the brighter start and secured first blood when United were hit by a sucker-punch.

Moore’s long goal kick found its way to Donaldson and the striker, operating on the left of a five-man midfield, managed to get an attempt away at goal. He was, however, felled in the process by United goalkeeper Long.

Stroud pointed to the spot, Long was booked and lone striker Trotta smashed Brentford into a 24th-minute lead. Donaldson was a productive outlet on the left, and Maguire was booked for an ugly foul on the former Crewe man.

Just before half-time Donaldson again went down under Maguire’s challenge, but a booking went the way of the Brentford man, for diving.

Stroud, booed by the United faithful at half-time, was back in their good books five minutes into the second half when, on the advice of his assistant referee, he awarded United a penalty for an incident off the ball.

Brentford captain Tony Craig was sent off after tangling with Kitson, but Tony McMahon’s spot-kick rebounded off the crossbar to safety.

The United right-back made amends soon after when he won the third penalty of the night, forcing Lee Hodson to handle the ball.

Robson assumed spot-kick responsibilities, and smashed the ball home, although it cannoned off Moore’s right-hand post.

Winger Jamie Murphy then provided a moment of magic as his sumptuous clipped cross found Kitson, who netted from close in.

United crowd were buoyed further 11 minutes from time when Donaldson was sent off for his second booking. Maguire soon followed him down the tunnel, however, when Stroud awarded his fourth spot-kick of the night.

Long made a smart save from Saunders only to be beaten by Wright-Phillips with minutes remaining.

Sheffield United: Long, McMahon, Collins, Maguire, Hill, Flynn (Forte, 45), McDonald, Doyle (Robson, 58), Murphy, Porter, Kitson (Higginbotham 65). Unused substitutes: Ironside, McFadzean, Whitehouse, Coyne.

Brentford: Moore, Logan, Dean, Craig, Bidwell, Hodson (O’Connor 65), Forshaw (Saunders, 68), Diagouraga, Reeves, Donaldson, Trotta (Wright-Phillips, 73). Unused substitutes: El Alagui, Dallas, Gounet, Forrester.

Referee: K Stroud (Hampshire).