Match ends, Sheffield United 3, Preston North End 2.
Sheff UtdSheffield United3PrestonPreston North End2
David McGoldrick scored a late winner as Sheffield United edged past Preston North End, who had come from 2-0 down to equalise.
McGoldrick's low shot clinched victory for United in the 87th minute following a fine assist from Enda Stevens.
A quiet first half was brought to life by Sharp's right-footed shot from close range to open the scoring, before Chris Basham's looping header found the top corner from an Oliver Norwood free-kick.
Preston drew level with two goals in two minutes as Daniel Johnson's left-footed shot was followed moments later by Callum Robinson's similar effort, both finding the bottom left corner.
Although United started brighter, Robinson was always a threat for Preston and his curled shot from range had Dean Henderson running backwards as it went over.
Sharp's goal lifted the Blades and they continued to press in the second half, rewarded by Basham's header to make it 2-0.
Paul Gallagher and Tom Barkhuizen, who was isolated for much of the game, were replaced as Preston manager Alex Neil looked for a way back into the game.
The attacking intent brought about by a change in formation worked and Preston stunned the home side with their two quick goals.
However, United's three sole shots on target were enough for them to keep the pressure on the top three, while Preston's loss means they stay rooted to the bottom of the Championship on five points.
Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder:
"I'm delighted and proud with the way we set up.
"It was never dull, but the players showed tremendous character to get themselves back up off the canvas.
"I'm delighted we got our noses in front and the swagger about us was good to see."
Preston manager Alex Neil:
"That's been the story of the season so far. When we look like the side who's going to win and we've got a foothold back into the game, we get hurt with a sucker-punch.
"But it's about more than that. It's about game management, experience and recognising we can still throw caution to the wind along with the hard work.
"We scored two goals so there is definitely a threat there, but as a team we've got to stop conceding as many goals as we are."
Line-ups
Sheff Utd
Formation 3-4-1-2
- 1Henderson
- 6Basham
- 12Egan
- 5O'Connell
- 18Freeman
- 16NorwoodBooked at 63mins
- 4Fleck
- 3Stevens
- 21DuffySubstituted forClarkeat 85'minutes
- 17McGoldrickSubstituted forStearmanat 90+1'minutes
- 10SharpSubstituted forJohnsonat 74'minutes
Substitutes
- 7Lundstram
- 9Clarke
- 11Woodburn
- 19Stearman
- 22Johnson
- 25Moore
- 39Washington
Preston
Formation 5-3-2
- 22Maxwell
- 2FisherBooked at 87mins
- 5Clarke
- 23HuntingtonBooked at 51mins
- 6Davies
- 16Hughes
- 12GallagherSubstituted forJohnsonat 62'minutes
- 8Browne
- 18LedsonBooked at 88minsSubstituted forHarropat 90'minutes
- 29BarkhuizenSubstituted forBarkerat 71'minutes
- 7Robinson
Substitutes
- 1Rudd
- 3Earl
- 9Moult
- 10Harrop
- 11Johnson
- 19Burke
- 21Barker
- Referee:
- Scott Duncan
- Attendance:
- 23,857
Match Stats
Home TeamSheff UtdAway TeamPreston
- Possession
- Home54%
- Away46%
- Shots
- Home13
- Away10
- Shots on Target
- Home3
- Away3
- Corners
- Home4
- Away3
- Fouls
- Home10
- Away6
Live Text
Post update
Full Time
Second Half ends, Sheffield United 3, Preston North End 2.
Post update
Foul by Marvin Johnson (Sheffield United).
Post update
Alan Browne (Preston North End) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Substitution
Substitution, Sheffield United. Richard Stearman replaces David McGoldrick.
Post update
Foul by David McGoldrick (Sheffield United).
Post update
Ben Davies (Preston North End) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Substitution
Substitution, Preston North End. Josh Harrop replaces Ryan Ledson.
Post update
Offside, Sheffield United. Jack O'Connell tries a through ball, but Leon Clarke is caught offside.
Booking
Ryan Ledson (Preston North End) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.
Post update
David McGoldrick (Sheffield United) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Post update
Foul by Ryan Ledson (Preston North End).
Goal!
Goal! Sheffield United 3, Preston North End 2. David McGoldrick (Sheffield United) right footed shot from the centre of the box to the bottom right corner. Assisted by Enda Stevens.
Post update
Foul by Marvin Johnson (Sheffield United).
Post update
Darnell Fisher (Preston North End) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Substitution
Substitution, Sheffield United. Leon Clarke replaces Mark Duffy.
Post update
Mark Duffy (Sheffield United) wins a free kick on the right wing.
Post update
Foul by Andrew Hughes (Preston North End).
Goal!
Goal! Sheffield United 2, Preston North End 2. Daniel Johnson (Preston North End) left footed shot from the centre of the box to the bottom left corner. Assisted by Andrew Hughes.
Post update
Attempt blocked. Brandon Barker (Preston North End) left footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Ryan Ledson.
