Tranmere Rovers 1 Sheffield United 1: Wilson bemoans lack of protection for Quinn as winning record goes

DANNY WILSON’S Sheffield United dropped their first points of the season as substitute Joss Labadie’s 80th-minute header earned Les Parry’s Tranmere a draw.

Nick Montgomery had given the visitors the lead on the stroke of half-time with a fantastic long-range effort but Labadie’s header brought the Blades’ 100 per cent league record to an end.

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Wilson, who fielded the side that had finished against Walsall, retaining a 4-4-2 system, had predicted this trip would be his team’s toughest test of the season.

But he was more concerned about the lack of protection for Stephen Quinn from referee Andy Woolmer, stating: “He was kicked from pillar to post throughout the game and I am really annoyed with the performance of the referee.”

Former Barnsley winger Martin Devaney was also intent on making the Blades’ afternoon uncomfortable, making early inroads.

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Showunmi flashed a header wide and Mark McChrystal had a volley saved by former Tranmere goalkeeper Steve Simonsen. Devaney and John Welsh were booked for challenges on Quinn before the Blades threatened through a powerful header from Matt Lowton, who also set up a chance for Jordan Slew.

Quinn also went in the book before Montgomery lashed home an unstoppable shot from 30 yards out after Slew and Quinn had combined.

Chris Porter returned from injury, replacing Slew to partner Richard Cresswell just before the hour mark.

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United survived a penalty appeal when Lecsinel Jean-Francois and McChrystal wrestled in the area.

Tranmere equalised from an inventive set-piece. David Buchanan took a short corner and Devaney’s cross was turned into the net by Labadie.

Tranmere Rovers: Fon Williams, Kay, Goodison, McChrystal, Buchanan, Weir, Welsh, Akins (Tiryaki 61), Devaney (Bakayogo 81), Robinson (Labadie 77), Showunmi. Unused substitutes: Courtney,Taylor.

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Sheffield United: Simonsen, Lowton, Jean-Francois, Collins, Maguire, Montgomery, Doyle, Williamson, Quinn (Mendez-Laing 90), Slew (Porter 58), Cresswell. Unused substitutes: Long, Harriott, Philliskirk.

Referee: A Woolmer (Northamptonshire).

Man of the match: Stephen Quinn.