Blades cut loose on Crewe

Steve Kabba and Andy Gray grabbed a brace of goals as Sheffield United thumped Crewe 4-0 at Bramall Lane to rekindle their promotion hopes.

The strike duo both netted once in each half to help their side pick up three much-needed points and condemn the visitors to an eighth defeat in their last 11 outings.

The Blades had won just once at home in the league since the turn of the year but never looked in much danger of missing out after Kabba grabbed his first after quarter of an hour.

The former Crystal Palace front-man's angled drive from the right side of the area proved too good for Ben Williams in the away goal, despite his despairing dive.

Both Kabba and Gray missed chances to add to the lead soon after before the latter struck six minutes before the break as he swept home Andy Liddell's low cross from the right wing.

It was no more than United had deserved for their enterprising play, although Crewe did have their chances on the break with Michael Higdon forcing Paddy Kenny into a smart save and Mark Rivers failing to hit the target from 12-yards out.

The second half started in similar fashion to the first with the home side in control.

Williams was forced to dive on a loose ball in the box to stop Liddell from shooting, although the custodian had little chance just after the hour mark as Kabba slotted home his second of the evening from the edge of the area.

That proved to be his last contribution to his team's cause as he was substituted soon after to a standing ovation from the home faithful.

It was not to be the end of the action, however, as his replacement Danny Cadamarteri struck a post with a powerful shot and then headed over from close range.

Gray showed his new partner how to find the target when he reacted quickly to ram home a rebound after seeing his first effort blocked by the keeper.