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The first Championship play-off semi-final between Bristol City and Sheffield United was played out on Thursday night.
Sheffield United went into the clash at Ashton Gate as favourites after finishing 22 points above Bristol City in the Championship table, as Chris Wilder’s men asserted their dominance in the contest.
A controversial Harrison Burrows penalty put the Blades ahead on the stroke of half-time after Rob Dickie was adjudged to have fouled Kieffer Moore in the box.
Liam Manning slammed referee Oliver Langford as a ‘disgrace‘ following Dickie’s sending off, something experienced official Mark Clattenburg agreed with.
Unfortunately, that decision proved to be the turning point as Andre Brooks and Callum O’Hare scored late in the second half to leave Bristol City with a mountain to climb at Bramall Lane.
Kieffer Moore was incredible for Sheffield United vs Bristol City
Burrows started his first game for the Blades since the 2-1 defeat to Burnley last month, and he produced an outstanding display.
The former Peterborough United star was unstoppable down the left flank, calmly converting the penalty and assisting Brooks for his strike.
It was a Man of the Match performance from the 23-year-old who has struggled in recent weeks; however, striker Kieffer Moore was arguably more important in the context of the match.
Moore was one of seven changes to the side that drew against Blackburn as Wilder opted for his two striker set-up.
Known for his physicality and strength in the air, the Welshman bullied the Bristol City back line with his aerial prowess, leaving Ross McCrorie in a heap on the floor.
The Blades frontman ’caused havoc’ all night for the Robins, as described in The Star’s player ratings, with Moore winning an outrageous nine of his 13 contested aerial duels.
He didn’t just win the penalty, though, as he occupied his opponents, and this allowed his teammates to flourish and establish a three-goal lead.
What Chris Wilder has said about Moore
Moore hasn’t been the most clinical striker for Sheffield United, firing just five goals in 27 Championship matches in 2024/25.
However, as seen on Thursday night, it’s his work off the ball that is arguably more important, occupying defenders, outmuscling them and winning aerial duels.
Wilder has shared this sentiment, praising the 32-year-old for his incredible work out of possession back in October 2024 after a 2-0 win over Stoke City.
“He’s a good sort, his mentality is good, he’s popular among the group, and he puts a shift in,” Wilder said. “He starts the press from the front, holds up the ball, and he was bashed all over the place today.”