Yorkshire | Sheffield United battle to win against Wrexham

Sheffield United 1 - 0 Wrexham

The home side battled to win against Wrexham and moved closer to the play-off positions

Author | Terri Woodford

Stadium | Bramall Lane

Sheffield United made the brighter start, with Jordan Ayew and Sydie Peck both having early opportunities, although neither was able to trouble goalkeeper Anthony Patterson.

Wrexham's only chance of note in the first half fell to Lewis O'Brien, whose powerful effort was blocked by Sheffield United captain Japhet Tanganga.

The hosts took the lead on the half-hour mark

The Wrexham keeper could only parry Ayew's curling effort into the path of Brereton Diaz, who finished from close range to score his first goal of the campaign.

It was no more than Sheffield United deserved, and Chris Wilder was left furious moments later when his side were denied a penalty after Harrison Burrows went down in the box under a challenge from Wrexham captain Dom Hyam.

Sam Smith and Max Cleworth were introduced at half-time, and Phil Parkinson's side finally began to show some attacking intent, with former Sheffield United striker Kieffer Moore lifting an effort over the crossbar.

Wrexham were then relieved to see Ben Sheaf produce a superb last-ditch challenge to deny Ayew a shot at goal after the forward had latched on to a superb long ball from goalkeeper Michael Cooper.

However, there was little to separate the sides in the second half as Wilder's men held on for a vital victory. Peck forced Patterson into a save in added time before Smith's tame header was comfortably dealt with, leaving Sheffield United just a point adrift of the play-off places.