Sheffield United 3 Bristol City 2: We must be brave, insists Adams

SHEFFIELD United’s bid for Championship survival has been boosted by a dramatic victory at Bramall Lane, writes Ian Appleyard.

The Blades fell behind after just nine minutes when goalkeeper Steve Simonsen clawed the ball into his own net at a corner.

But in the final six minutes of the half, Bristol City have been reduced to ten men by the dismissal of striker Nicky Maynard and the Blades have gone ahead thanks to goals from David McAllister and Lee Williamson.

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Things started to improve in the 39th minute when an attempted Bristol clearance struck Williamson and rebounded into the net for the equaliser.

Maynard was sent off just over a minute later for a two footed lunge on Blades defender Matthew Lowton.

Midfielder McAllister then marked his debut with a goal in the 43rd minute - shooting past former England goalkeeper David James from 25 yards.

McAllister, 22, nearly scored two more before the interval but James produced two excellent saves.

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There was a second red card when United’s Maguire was sent off, Pitman converting from the penalty spot.

The Blades grabbed a late third when Jordan Slew fired home.

Asked if his side now had realistic chances of avoiding the drop, Blades boss Micky Adams said: “We don’t know. We just keep going.

“We asked them today to show a bit of pride and passion in their own performance and be brave and that’s all they can do.”