Carabao Cup: Sheffield United 2-1 Derby County

Billy SharpImage source, Rex Features
Image caption,

Billy Sharp (left) has scored in back-to-back games

Sheffield United came back from behind to beat Derby and reach the third round of the Carabao Cup.

Louie Sibley smashed the visitors into the lead just before the break with a crisp low strike from 18 yards out.

The hosts levelled after the interval when Luke Freeman's header went through the gloves of Rams goalkeeper Ryan Allsop.

Veteran Billy Sharp won it when he latched on to a poor backpass and rounded Allsop to score.

The result will come as a relief to Blades boss Slavisa Jokanovic with his new charges having lost three of their four games in the Championship so far this season.

He made 11 changes from Saturday's 2-1 home defeat by Huddersfield and was ultimately rewarded for the alterations.

Counterpart Wayne Rooney made eight changes from his side's 0-0 draw with Middlesbrough at the weekend and, given their limited numbers, will arguably not be too concerned at being knocked out.

Sheffield United will now hope to collect a first league win of the season when they travel to Luton on Saturday, while the Rams host local rivals Nottingham Forest on the same day.

Sheffield United boss Slavisa Jokanovic:

"It's important, especially after the start of the season. We expect to be at a better level.

"We didn't perform in the first 45 minutes. We moved the shape of the team, found a bit more quality in the second half and scored two goals.

"I can complain about some of the positioning and concentration, but I cannot complain about the effort.

"Billy Sharp was clever for a lot of years and still is clever. He's a really good option for us. He's still scoring."

Derby boss Wayne Rooney:

"I thought they were superb. The performance was very good.

"First half, we were by far the better team and in the second half we conceded two goals that should have been avoidable. We have to be more clinical.

"There were a lot of positives. There were young lads getting asked to step up earlier than they should be.

"For these lads to come in and put in that sort of performance, they deserve a lot of credit.

Sorry, we can't display this part of the article any more.

Related internet links

The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.