Bristol, England – Sheffield United dem rise strong for dem Championship play-off semi-final first leg, beating Bristol City 3-0 at Ashton Gate on Thursday night. The Blades get one foot for Wembley after dis struggling Robins saw Rob Dickie collect red card before halftime.
Harrison Burrows convert penalty just as the first half dey finish after Dickie drag down Kieffer Moore for box. Substitute Andre Brooks and Callum O'Hare join for second half, scoring in six minutes to tighten Sheffield’s grip on the tie for the second leg at Bramall Lane come Monday.
During the early part of the match, Sheffield get their goal disallowed for offside after Tyrese Campbell find net, and Bristol City hit the bar with Joe Williams‘ shot, but na only Burrows’ penalty dem fit score before halftime.
Callum O’Hare mention for Sky Sports say, ‘We just carry on wetin the guys don start. We sabi say dem dey 10 men, and we fit pressure dem to score more goals. We need good lead going for the second leg.’
Harrison Burrows praise di game plan after scoring the penalty. ‘We dey really happy, but this na just first leg, and di work no don finish. We go treat the second leg like say e dey 0-0 and start again.’
City’s manager Liam Manning express disappointment about di referee decision to send off Dickie, saying, ‘Dis one don hurt us. We know dis game change with big error. We get to keep belief and fight on, we sabi wetin plenty comebacks wey don happen for sport.’
As di match dey continue, Bristol City find it hard as United dey take total control. Gary Owers comment on Radio Bristol say, ‘You go feel di disappointment. Chris Wilder gather he players straight after di match, and e show say plenty work dey to do.’
For di second half, di tired Robins struggled to maintain possession while Sheffield United dey capitalize on spaces with fresh players. Brooks equalize not long after he enter di pitch, and O’Hare seal di win with brilliant finish from close range after another excellent cross.
Sophie Hurcom from BBC Sport report say, ‘Bristol City fans hold hope before di game but dis na tough mountain to climb before di second leg at Bramall Lane.’ Di Robins don dey long time, 17 years, since dem last enter Championship play-offs, but dis go be real test for dem now.
Andy Giddings, BBC Sheffield Sports Editor, summarize, ‘Sheffield United don overpower Bristol City totally. Dem don take dem to task for di whole game.’ While di Blades don’t usually achieve promotion through di play-offs, dem dey set now for another chance at di final.
Do you have a news tip for NNN? Please email us at editor@nnn.ng
