Sheffield United 2 Hartlepool United 3: Maguire fails to rescue Blades from shock loss

Sheffield United lost their unbeaten home record to strugglers Hartlepool United at Bramall Lane - and were leapfrogged by Tranmere Rovers as the new League One leaders, writes Robert Gledhill.
By The Newsroom
Published 29th Dec 2012, 17:03 BST

League One leaders Blades made three enforced changes against the bottom club.

Darryl Westlake and Marcus Williams came into defence for suspended Tony McMahon and Neil Collins (fractured cheekbone).

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John Cofie replaced striker Shaun Miller, who is out for the season with a damaged knee.

The Blades 150th anniversary celebrations were cut short when Steve Howard headed Hartlepool into a fifth-minute lead.

Ryan France went close and Nick Blackman tested the goalkeeper before Scott Flinders spilled a 20-harder from Michael Doyle over his shoulder for the 31st-minute equaliser.

The half finished 1-1 leaving the Blades to prepare to attack the Kop end.

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The Blades were stunned as former Owl Ritchie Humphreys drove Hartlepool back into the lead in the 54th minute.

Howard made it 3-1 when he headed home in the 72nd minute and there appeared no way back for the disappointing hosts.

Harry Maguire made the final score 3-2 in the fifth minute of stoppage time.

Related topics:Hartlepool UnitedBladesHarry MaguireBramall LaneLeague One