1. Sheffield United made it through to the next round of the Johnstone Paint Trophy
after 4-1 victory away at Notts County who can consider themselves unlucky to
be on the end of such a harsh scoreline.
The game was level in terms of both action and possession when Shaun Miller
volleyed in the opener on 24 minutes after Chris Porter’s clever flick-on. That
was looking like being the only goal of the half but Harry Maguire made in 2-0 in
first-half injury time when he stabbed in a Ryan Flynn corner from close range.
Notts County looked shocked to be behind and they took a while to regain their
composure in the second half in which time the Blades added two more goals.
Another Ryan Flynn was the source of the third goal with Shaun Miller being the
beneficiary as he struck a sweet half volley from around 8 yards past the helpless
Bialkowski in goal. The final Sheffield United goal had more than a bit of luck
about it when Harry Maguire’s mishit cross from the wing looped over the
‘keeper in the net.
Finally Notts County started to put some decent play together although it was
surely far too late with the score at 4-0. They did manage a consolation when
Jordan Stewart took advantage of some poor defending and hit a curling volley
past George Long who could do nothing about it.
Sheffield United safely saw out the remaining 14 minutes and now face a trip to
Coventry City on the December 4th
in the next round.