Sheffield United 0 Scunthorpe 1: Knives are out! Blades fans want rid of boss Kevin Blackwell

Kevin Blackwell came out fighting after calls for his head from furious Sheffield United supporters facing a wasted season. Scunthorpe's first win at Bramall Lane left United's promotion ambitions buried under the massive squad upheaval that has blighted their hopes of repeating last year's play-off final appearance. The debris of Scunthorpe's double over the Blades threatens to extinguish Blackwell - while the small-time visitors are reaching for Championship safety after their third successive win. Feeling the heat: Kevin Blackwell was booed at the final whistle by Blades fansUnited's fans are unforgiving, although heavy budget cuts and injuries have forced their boss to use 36 players this season. 'Blackwell out!' rang around the ground as Scunthorpe's shock victory - after defeats in their previous five away games - ended United's 11-match unbeaten run at home. The former Leeds boss took it on the chin, but defended his record. 'If you are the manager of a high-profile club, you have to take the stick, whether it is right or wrong,' he said. Getting shirty: Scunthorpe United's Sam Togwell holds off United's Henri Camara 'But I don't head it or kick it. The staff here have donephenomenally well to be where we are in the table. When was the lasttime anyone had 22 debuts in a season? 'We've had massive numbers of injuries and loans. And temporary staff give you temporary performances - up and down.' A 23rd debut now beckons, as Blackwell fears Stoke will recall goalkeeper Steve Simonsen following an injury to Asmir Begovic. Paul Hayes's secured Scunthorpe's success with his 12th goal of theseason, punishing an error from another loanee, Sunderland defenderNyron Nosworthy. Scunthorpe 4 Peterborough 0: Easy win sees Iron take huge step to safetyCardiff 1 Sheff United 1: Quinn saves the day as Bluebirds miss chance  

Source: Daily_Mail