Patience was the key for Sheffield United on Saturday afternoon as they overturned a stubborn Wycombe Wanderers side with three second half goals.
Indeed, it took 66 minutes to break the deadlock – on-loan Brighton striker Will Hoskins coming off the bench to score on his debut. Goals from Ched Evans and Kevin McDonald followed as the Blades moved to within a point of Sheffield Wednesday, with two games in hand, after the Owls were beaten by Exeter City.
United had a frustrating afternoon for large parts of the game, struggling to break down the visitors’ five man defence. Chances were hard to come by, with a scuffed shot from Evans and a long range strike from McDonald the only occasions the home side really looked like scoring in the first half; both efforts going just wide of the right hand post.
At the other end, Wycombe threatened very little, with lone striker Stuart Beavon’s snap shot on the turn which went just wide being the only first half highlight.
The second period provided more opportunities. The Blades should have taken the lead when Evans hit the side netting from seven yards after latching on to a Richard Cresswell flick on, before Cresswell himself headed over from a Harry Maguire cross.
That was to be Cresswell’s last action as he was replaced just beyond the hour mark by Hoskins. The striker who has struggled for opportunities since joining Brighton and Hove Albion in the summer looked lively and sharp and just over five minutes after being brought on, he had broken the deadlock.
Michael Doyle’s cross from the left was deflected and Hoskins was first to the loose ball, tucking it coolly under the body of Wycombe goalkeeper Nicky Bull with his left foot.
The match was over as a contest on 73 minutes: Matt Lowton’s low cross reached Lecsinel Jean-Francois at the far post who teed up Evans. The Welshman twisted and turned and shot low past Bull for his 19th goal of the season.
Kevin McDonald added a third in stoppage time with a shot which deflected in off visiting captain Dave Winfield.
With 70% of possession, the scoreline was no more than Danny Wilson’s men deserved and they’ll be hoping they can take this form into their match at Huddersfield Town on Tuesday. However, the visit to the Galpharm will provide a somewhat different challenge.
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