Sheffield United 2-1 QPR: Blades hold off Hoops to keep up Championship play-off hunt with narrow victory
- Richard Stearman slides home ball from Leon Clarke flick following corner
- John Lundstram side-foots second goal five minutes after break from low cross
- Luke Freeman pulled one back, however QPR remain close to relegation zone
- Win moves Blades to just one point off the Championship play-off places
Earning plaudits but not points has been an unwanted Sheffield United stock in trade recently. Here Chris Wilder's side reversed that equation to move back within a point of the top six.
Successive home victories have seen the Blades return to the promotion picture. This, though deserved for a strong first half, became a dig-out job relying on some dogged defending as QPR mounted a second-half fightback.
John Lundstram, scorer of United's second goal, noted: 'We've played well a lot and lost. This wasn't the best of performances but we've ground out the win and that's important.'
Richard Stearman slides home from Leon Clarke's flicked header to put the hosts ahead
Defender Stearman celebrates as Sheffield United continue to chase a play-off place
John Lundstram is congratulated after making it 2-0 five minutes after the interval
Rangers made an open game of it from the start, but that seemed to help Wilder's side create the better chances.
George Baldock and Billy Sharp wasted openings, while Leon Clarke was denied on the line by Nedum Onuoha before Mark Duffy's corner, flicked on by Clarke, saw Richard Stearman sweep home at the far post.
Conor Washington spurned a chance to level before a fine break doubled United's lead. Duffy and Sharp played in Lundstram to hammer home.
The outstanding Luke Freeman's solo goal, a fine run and shot, ensured a tense finale, but the visitors could not find another goal.
Rangers boss Ian Holloway declared himself a big fan of Wilder's work but, while 'proud', said: 'I'm bitterly disappointed to play so well and go home with nothing against such a good side.'
Luke Freeman pulled one back, however QPR could not get themselves back on level terms
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