Sheff Utd 4 – 1 Cardiff
Sheffield United moved closer to securing automatic promotion to the Premier League by coming from behind to beat Cardiff 4-1 at Bramall Lane.
Sory Kaba took his tally to five goals in seven games when he gave the Bluebirds a surprise lead from the penalty spot, but Manchester City loanee James McAtee leveled with an impressive solo goal, before a spectacular diving header from Jack Robinson made it 2-1 .
Sheffield United took another step towards a return to the Premier League
Cardiff substitute Connor Wickham struck the woodwork as the visitors chased an equaliser, but Iliman Ndiaye slammed in a third and Ciaran Clark prodded in from a yard out to take the game away from Sabri Lamouchi’s relegation-threatened side.
A fifth win in seven games sees the Blades extend their lead over third-placed Middlesbrough and fourth-placed Luton to eight points ahead of the remainder of Saturday’s action, while Cardiff remain precariously perched in 21st, one point above the bottom three.
How the Blades put Cardiff to the sword
It did not take long for Cardiff to show they were going to make it hard for their hosts. Jaden Philogene stepped in off the right and sent a shot wide from 25 yards, and it took significant effort for the Blades to clear their lines a few minutes later after a misplaced pass from Tommy Doyle caused panic in the box.
Sory Kaba sends Adam Davies diving to his left and then tucks his penalty straight down the middle to give Cardiff the lead at Sheffield United
Sheffield United kept the ball well, but had little to show for it – and they fell behind after 19 minutes when Kaba continued his hot streak in front of goal by converting a penalty after Max Lowe had caught Jack Simpson with a high boot.
Man City loanee James McAtee scores an equalizer for Sheffield United
The hosts were level within five minutes, though. It came from a moment of inspiration from McAtee, who collected possession and held off the challenge of Andy Rinomhota before dispatching a left-footed shot underneath Ryan Allsop.
Tommy Doyle lifts a magnificent ball into the far post, where Jack Robinson arrives to guide in a spectacular header to give Sheffield United the lead
It was not long after the restart that the comeback was completed. Cardiff failed to deal with a corner with any sort of urgency, which allowed Doyle to lift in a beauty of a cross to the far post, where Robinson dived to head in a stylish second.
Cardiff City’s Connor Wickham came close to equalizing against Sunderland with this strike
Wickham’s shot that hit the crossbar came after a sustained spell of pressure, but there was to be no way back into the game for the visitors thereafter.
Iliman Ndiaye stayed calm to round the goalkeeper and put Sheffield United 3-1 up
Ndiaye ran onto Mark McGuiness’ ill-advised pass back to Allsop, rounded the goalkeeper and rattled in to make it 3-1 and Clark was on hand to prod in after a corner to complete a confident, if a touch flattering victory for the hosts .
Cardiff try to defend a corner, but Ciaran Clark makes it four for Sheffield United!
Player of the match – Tommy Doyle
What’s next?
Sheffield United are back in action at 7.45pm on Tuesday April 18, when they face Bristol City at Bramall Lane. cardiffmeanwhile, face Watford at Vicarage Road 24 hours later.
Both matches will be available to watch live across Sky Sports.
