By Paul Holland
December 21 2002

Sheffield United played their 'get out of jail' card yet again gave the Blades three points as a freak own goal won the game just seconds after a penalty decision should have been given. The Blades goal came when Michael Tonge worked hard on left hand side where his cross was eventually headed home by Graham Alexander, the cross was intended for Carl Asaba.

The opposition went quickly down to ten men when Mark Rankine was sent off for foul and abusive language after the referee turned down the penalty when ex-Wednesday striker Richard Cresswell was brought down by Shaun Murphy.

The visitors had been keeping in-form United at bay, with goalkeeper David Lucas looking unbeatable between the posts.

He first showed his mettle when England Under-20 star Tonge was fouled by Tyrone Mears just outside the box and got up to strike a superb free-kick that produced a great save by the keeper.

Lucas then did superbly well to save a long-range effort from Peter Ndlovu as United - on a high after their midweek Worthington Cup heroics - went in search of a breakthrough.

The overworked keeper also had to be at his best to tip a header from Steve Kabba round the post after the striker got on the end of Jon Harley's cross from the left.

As the first half drew to a close Cresswell struck a shot wide of Paddy Kenny's post in a rare Preston attack.

Blades boss Neil Warnock opted for more teeth in the second half, sending on leading scorer Asaba as a third striker in place of midfielder Nick Montgomery.

His side were soon on top again and Lucas was called into action to save a shot from Kabba before the drama of the own goal and sending-off.