Yorkshire | Sheffield United move out of relegation zone

Sheffield United 3 - 0 Portsmouth

Patrick Bamford marked his first start for Sheffield United with a long-overdue goal as Chris Wilder's side eased past 10-man Portsmouth to climb out of the Championship relegation zone.

Author | Terri Woodford

Stadium | Bramall Lane

The England forward, without a goal in 19 months, forced the ball in from close range to build on Sydie Peck's opener, before Gus Hamer added a stunning third to secure back-to-back wins. Peck had earlier converted from the spot after Terry Devlin was sent off for handling Japhet Tanganga's goal-bound header.

Portsmouth, who have managed only one victory in eight, were left just a point above the Blades and uncomfortably close to the bottom three. Wilder's side, buoyed by their derby win at Hillsborough, always looked the likelier as they pushed for only their second home success of the campaign.

Bamford went close with a half volley, and Jairo Riedewald saw a guided effort saved by Nico Schmid as Pompey's frailties at set pieces again came to the surface. From the resulting corner Tanganga met Sam McCallum's delivery with a firm header that Devlin kept out illegally, allowing Peck to calmly slot in his first senior goal.

Sydie bursts onto the scoresheet with his first-ever senior goal for the club! ⚔️ pic.twitter.com/FKicIBDfr6

— Sheffield United (@SheffieldUnited) November 26, 2025

McCallum later struck straight at Schmid but remained a threat from corners, supplying another pinpoint cross early in the second half. Tanganga's header bounced off the bar and Bamford reacted quickest to force it home.

Released by Leeds in the summer after a season without a start or a goal, the 32-year-old arrived at Bramall Lane on a short term deal two weeks ago and delivered a much needed spark. Hamer, recently back from injury, completed the victory with a swerving strike from distance, while Danny Ings saw a late effort ruled out for offside.

The Portsmouth perspective

This is how the Pompey boss responded to the defeat. They are now 20th in the Championship and maybe some people are starting to get concerned about relegation.

🎙️ John's assessment.

— Portsmouth FC (@Pompey) November 26, 2025

Gerry was at the Portsmouth end, and Bramall, despite the defeat, was pleased with some aspects of the performance. He said: “For 40 minutes, there was absolutely nothing in it, and we restricted the home side to very few chances.

Gerry added: “The players had some opportunities, but they needed to show a little more quality to score and get us the win. There’s still plenty of hope between now and the end of the season.”