Scunthorpe 0-1 Sheffield United: Sharp haunts former club

Billy Sharp returned to haunt Scunthorpe with the only goal of the game that clinched Sheffield United their first away win since the end of August.

It came in the 50th minute as this derby burst into life after a goalless opening half. Sharp, who netted 53 times in two seasons while at Scunthorpe, found room in a crowded box to steer a right-foot shot into the bottom far corner following a right-wing corner routine.

It came just after a close-range effort from another Scunthorpe old boy, Martyn Woolford, had been brilliantly turned away by goalkeeper Luke Daniels.

The Blades had threatened to make the breakthrough in the first half but Dean Hammond missed one early chance while a cracking drive from Paul Coutts was well saved by Daniels.

Scunthorpe looked short of attacking quality throughout much of the opening period but they did find a good response after going behind.

Midfielder Tommy Rowe missed one great chance for an equaliser when he lifted his close-range shot just over at full stretch. Striker Luke Williams then brought the best out of keeper George Long with a terrific effort from 25 yards.

Centre-back Charlie Goode also fluffed a last-gasp header from a corner but their late flurry was not enough to save Scunthorpe from going into Christmas on the back of a third successive home defeat.