How Sheffield United's players rated as they recorded first win of season at Bristol Rovers

Sheffield United’s near-six month wait for a victory finally ended today as they beat Bristol Rovers 3-2 in an entertaining FA Cup third round clash at the Memorial Stadium.
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But who caught the eye for the Blades against their spirited League One opponents?

Still looking for his first clean sheet in his second spell as a Blade. Had little to no chance of keeping out Rovers' equalising goal as Kilgour rose unopposed to head home an inviting set-piece. Couldn't do much with the second either. Had a rush of blood to the head in the second half, as he raced to the touchline and had Blades fans' hearts in mouths.

Jayden Bogle 8

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Kept his place at right-back with George Baldock dropping out of the squad and was a threat going forward. Thought he might have won a penalty when Leahy lunged in, but ref Stroud waved away the appeals and replays suggested that the defender may have got a touch on the ball. Could have given United the lead but Leahy blocked his effort superbly. Got his goal in the second half, just seconds after Rovers had dragged themselves level, with a composed finish

Chris Basham 6

Back at right centre-half but may feel he could have done better with Rovers' opening goal after Kilgour outjumped him from a free-kick on the touchline. Some uncharacteristically nervy moments from United's Mr. Consistent, but also some moments of class as well. Left it all out there and ended the game in midfield once again

Jayden Bogle of Sheffield Utd (2l) celebrates scoring the third goal during the FA Cup match at the Memorial Stadium, Bristol. Picture date: 9th January 2021. Picture credit should read: Darren Staples/SportimageJayden Bogle of Sheffield Utd (2l) celebrates scoring the third goal during the FA Cup match at the Memorial Stadium, Bristol. Picture date: 9th January 2021. Picture credit should read: Darren Staples/Sportimage
Jayden Bogle of Sheffield Utd (2l) celebrates scoring the third goal during the FA Cup match at the Memorial Stadium, Bristol. Picture date: 9th January 2021. Picture credit should read: Darren Staples/Sportimage

John Egan 6

Harshly penalised for a foul on Leahy just before Mousset found the net, which was disallowed. The type of incident we see most weeks go completely unpunished - Egan simply had more desire to win the ball. Showed great desire to sprint the length of the field and join an attack with 15 minutes to go as United looked to put the game to bed.

Ethan Ampadu 6

Deployed at left centre-half and was certainly more assured than last week at Palace. Got away with a weak header out early in the second half but sent a lovely ball over the top to free Burke, who rolled his shot against the far post

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Reverted to left-back in Stevens' absence and an early cross almost saw United open the scoring inside the first minutes of the game. Picked up an assist when another good centre was headed home by Mousset and his crossing throughout the first half was outstanding. Could have had the goal his performance deserved when Norwood's cross found him at the back post, but he couldn't divert it on target.

John Lundstram 6

Returned to the side after his three-match ban and almost marked it with an early goal inside the opening minutes, but his flicked header was saved well by Rovers' debutant keeper Day. Got stuck in when needed and didn't strike me as a player downing tools as he nears a United exit by the day.

Ollie Norwood 7

Showcased both sides of his game in a period of about a minute or so - an intelligent pass to Osborn, a thunderous tackle in midfield and then a pin-perfect switch of play to Basham. Had more time on the ball than he will have enjoyed in a long time in the middle of midfield and looked all the better for it.

John Fleck 6

Perhaps didn't impose himself on the game as much as he would have liked, but a superb pass set his Scottish international teammate Burke through for his first Blades goal. Did the simple things well, with and without the ball - including nice link-up with Osborn for chance that Burke sent wide. Replaced with a few minutes remaining by Lowe

Lys Mousset 6

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Could have put an interesting week behind him when Day's save rebounded to him in the opening exchanges of the game, but he couldn't poke the ball home. Thought he had broke the deadlock a few minutes later with a looping header from Osborn's cross, which later went down as a Day own goal. Also had a goal ruled out for a 'foul' by Egan. Replaced by Burke

David McGoldrick 7

Showed a good turn of pace to escape his marker, but some good defending cut out his pass for Mousset as he looked to double the Blades' lead. Superb touch and pass started the move that should have seen Burke put the Blades ahead and had a couple of chances to get on the scoresheet himself, but Rovers defenders and goalkeeper conspired to deny him.

Subs

Oli Burke 7.5

Could, and probably should, have put the Blades back ahead with his first touch after coming off the bench, but he miscued his shot horribly after good link-up play between Osborn and Fleck down the left. Made no such mistake when he latched onto Fleck's pass for his first goal as a Blade, and could have added a second when he hit the post. Later curled an effort earlier – could have had a hat-trick!

Kean Bryan n/a

Came on for Lundstram as Basham shifted into midfield

Max Lowe n/a

Replaced Fleck with a few minutes left

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