Magpies torn by Blades

Sheffield United's brilliant run of form continues with a 2-1 win at home against play off contenders Notts County. It was always going to be a tight and eagerly awaited clash as both sides were positioned in the healthier part of the table with the Blades looking to grab 2nd place from there bitter rivals Sheffield Wednesday.
Questions were asked beforehand whether Notts Countys organised back four will be able to handle one of the divisions red-hot strikers in the shape of Ched Evans. Both sides fielded some of their strongest assets to their team and went all out believing they have a good chance of winning the game.
The game started brightly with United coming out the traps quickly aiming to surprise the visitors, after two minutes Dangerman Evans bursts inside from the wide right and played a low cross along the face of goal, but no one was there to convert.
After constant United pressure, Notts County created a rare chance and against the run of play...they scored a free kick, Judge played in the free kick which was misjudged by Simonsen and sailed all the way into the back of the net.
Then a quarter of an hour later, the Blades got their just desserts with an equaliser, the ball was half cleared by the Notts County defence to Cresswell picking out the run of Flynn whos shot left Nelson with no chance. Sustained United pressure followed on for the rest of the half with untesting shots from Evans and a bursting break from Lowton.
Five minutes into the second half, Sheffield United got what proved to be their winner. A quick throw in to Quinn which gets crossed into Cresswell who deflects it onto Sheehan and tucks it into the back of the net. The blades carried on their sustained pressure with plenty of chances including a free header by Collins which sailed wide and Evans again showed his class with a run inside but could only shoot at Nelson.
Then in the desperate minutes County started to take a foot on the game and they had a vital chance fluffed with a bicycle kick by the sub Hawley which went straight into the keepers arms.
In injury time, County's chances were offically blown as Demontagnac's stupidity in throwing the ball at Maguire's face led to a straight forward red card from the Referee.

Sheff Utd: Simonsen 8, Lowton 9, Maguire 7, Collins 8, Lescinel 7, Quinn 7, Doyle 8, Mcdonald 8 (Ertl, 82 min), Flynn 8, Evans 9, Cresswell 8 (Beattie, 88 min).

N. County: Nelson 8, Kelly 6, Sodje 6, Pearce 7 (Hawley, 74 min) Sheehan 5, Bishop 7, Judge 8, J.Hughes 7, Allen 6 (Demontagnac, 69 min (r)) L.Hughes 7, Burgess 7.

Man of the match: Ched Evans (Sheff Utd)