McMahon brace takes Blades top

Tony McMahon netted twice to lead Sheffield United back to the top of League One with a 2-0 victory at Crawley.

Tony McMahon blasted home free-kicks in either half to lead Sheffield United back to the top of npower League One with a comfortable 2-0 victory at Crawley. Blades broke the deadlock in the 29h minute when Joe Walsh was penalised for a foul on Shaun Miller and defender McMahon drilled home a 30-yard free-kick to notch his first goal for the Blades. The visitors doubled their advantage in identical fashion after 71 minutes when McMahon curled in a free-kick from 30 yards after Walsh had brought down Blades substitute Joe Ironside. THe Blades, who have only conceded eight goals away from home in the league this season, were solid throughout at the back and midfielder Kevin McDonald came close to adding a third late on when his shot was saved by Crawley goalkeeper Paul Jones. On a heavy pitch striker Dave Kitson had gone close for United early on with a deflected shot over the crossbar following McDonald's pass. Crawley rarely threatened although United goalkeeper George Long went down smartly at the feet of defender Mat Sadler after he had cut into the area. A chip by Crawley midfielder Nicky Adams was held by Long shortly after the break and at the other end Jones parried a goalbound drive from Blades striker Nick Blackman.