Blades spirit appeases Blackwell

07 February 2010 11:31
Kevin Blackwell hailed his side's courage after Lee Williamson's last-gasp equaliser earned Sheffield United a 1-1 draw with Derby at Bramall Lane. Robbie Savage appeared to have secured Derby back-to-back league wins when he swept home a low shot from outside the penalty area in the 17th minute, but Williamson struck a controversial stoppage-time leveller to prevent Blackwell's men crashing to a third straight defeat. The midfielder slammed home a cross from Mark Yeates on the edge of the penalty area after the referee had failed to see Derby manager Nigel Clough's attempts to send on substitute Russell Anderson. "As poor as we were, I've got to give the lads credit for finishing well," said Blackwell. "The crowd weren't happy but courage manifests itself in many ways. "It might be going in for a header or simply just wanting to get yourself on the ball. And, to be fair, my boys showed courage and determination out there." Blackwell added: "We've got far too many people coming and going through the football club at the moment so it's difficult to get any sort of cohesion."

Source: PA