Blades scythe down Watford
Danny Webber was the difference against his old side
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Tuesday, 28, Nov 2006 11:23
Sheffield United recorded a potentially crucial 1-0 away win over relegation rivals Watford thanks to a late goal from Hornets old boy Danny Webber.
Neil Warnock's men are now four points clear of their fellow strugglers with just goal difference now separating them from the safety of 17th spot.
It was a full-bloodied, but uninspiring contest which contrasted sharply with Sunday's clash between league pacesetters Manchester United and Chelsea and gave little evidence that either side would be keeping such company next term.
Watford were unfortunate not to take at least a point from the encounter however after creating the majority of the match's few opportunities.
Darius Henderson saw his drilled shot palmed away by Paddy Kenny in the Sheffield United goal after 20 minutes of the first half, before they had a strong claim for a penalty turned down as they desperately pressed forward in the dying moments.
Before being withdrawn for Webber on 73 minutes it was Christian Nade who came closest for the visitors, spurning a trio of fine openings much to Warnock's frustration.
His replacement showed how it should be done, nodding home the loose ball after Watford goalkeeper Richard Lee had tipped a Chris Morgan header onto the bar on 88 minutes.
The Vicarage Road crowd suspected the scorer had been offside and had further cause for complaint just a few minutes later when defender Rob Kozluk appeared to handle in the box.
Referee Martin Atkinson completed the Hornets' misery with the dismissal of Chris Powell in injury time for a second yellow card.