The Sharp Blade: Danny Wilson’s perfect start

Three wins out of three league games, and second in the league only on goal difference to Charlton.

Indeed, it is the best start we have had to a season since 1983.

The opening day win at Boundary Park was followed by a 2-0 victory at home to Brentford on Saturday.

But at 9pm on Tuesday night things weren’t looking so good.

A calamitous start to the second half at home to Walsall saw the visitors score twice in the six minutes after the restart.

Two goals adrift, we looked in total disarray. Up until then we had mustered only one effort on goal, there seemed to be no way back.

But it was at this point that Danny Wilson made what proved to be two brave and inspired substitutions.

Blades fans were shaking their heads in disbelief when attacking midfielder Kevin McDonald was replaced by holding midfielder Michael Doyle.

Wilson also threw on Lee Williamson in place of Mendez-Laing.

The substitutions had an immediate effect and seemed to reinvigorate United.

We suddenly had more tempo to our play.

And that soon paid off when Matt Lowton swept the ball home from close range to make it 2-1.

Suddenly there was a belief amongst the fans and players that we could get back into this.

Minutes later the roof came off Bramall Lane when substitute Williamson beautifully curled on into the back of the net from the edge of the box.

Bramall Lane was rocking. And it didn’t take long to complete the turnaround.

After Williamson was brought down in the box it was left to Richard Cresswell to smash the ball into the roof of the net from the spot.

The elation among Unitedites was palpable.

The manner of the win would have been the most pleasing apsect for many Blades fans.

At 2-0 down we seemed down and out but the players showed great courage to pull themselves up off the floor and pull off one of the best Sheffield United fightbacks in recent memory.

It was the kind of comeback we’re used to seeing Manchester United pull off, the mark of champions.

Last season we would have just buckled at going 2-0 down, but this season it is clear to see we are a different beast, a force to be reckoned with in League One.

Let us hope we can maintain the 100 per cent record at Tranmere on Saturday.

UTB

The Sharp Blade