Blades too sharp for Owls

THE BLADES secured bragging rights in the Steel City, as United toppled Wednesday 3-1 on Friday evening.

Neil Warnock`s side are flying high in Division One, but were made to show their mental toughness by coming from behind before securing the points.

Alan Quinn scored against the run of play shortly after the break, but it failed to dent United`s confidence and goals by Steve Kabba, Michael Brown and Wayne Allison left the visitors stuck in the relegation places.

The home side made all the early running, with Dean Windass hitting a post and flashing a shot narrowly wide.

Michele Di Piede had The Owls` first effort, but his weak shot failed to trouble Paddy Kenny.

The Owls had a chance to go ahead on the stroke of half-time, but Di Piedi failed to reach a Shefki Kuqi cross shot.

Moments after the break, Wednesday did get their noses in front as Quinn strode through the middle before tucking a low shot into the corner.

United tried to fashion a response, and Brown went close after beating four men but his low shot was well saved by Kevin Pressman.

Pressman performed heroics all evening, but was beaten by a spinning effort from Kabba that flew into the corner and gave the keeper no chance.

Kabba`s strike on the hour inspired The Blades and minutes later Brown scored a candidate for goal of the season.

There appeared to be little danger when a header flew towards Brown outside the box, but he showed tremendous technique to execute a volley that fizzed over Pressman and into the top corner.

Kabba was a thorn in the side of The Owls all evening and his waltzing run down the right resulted in a tap in for substitute Wayne Allison to seal the win.

To view a match summary, click on the link below.

Sheffield Utd v Sheffield Wed