Magical McAtee helps Blades rip through blunted Blackpool

Though they commanded a sizable gap over third-placed Blackburn, Sheffield United initially played second fiddle to their hosts, who looked to defy a poor return of just two wins from their previous 15 H2Hs against the Blades.

With only a win enough to hoist them out of the drop zone, Blackpool nearly netted after just six minutes, as Wes Foderingham instinctively tipped Ian Poveda’s fearsome strike onto the crossbar.

However, United went ahead against the run of play in the 18th minute when Sander Berge sublimely slotted home from inside the penalty area, following some exquisite build-up play between Jayden Bogle and Iliman Ndiaye down the left flank.

It was a crucial turning point in this clash on the Lancashire coast, and Blackpool suddenly found themselves facing a 12th straight calendar year not to end in victory.

With a whole interval to psyche himself up, James McAtee needed only five minutes of the second half to double the Blades’ advantage.

Following up on his season-first strike against Coventry, the Salford native sprinted the length of the pitch before clinically slotting past fellow Manchester City alumni Daniel Grimshaw.

But Blackpool halved the deficit in the 55th minute, when defender Marvin Ekpiteta struck from close range, after former Sheffield United player Gary Madine majestically outjumped his former employers at the back post.

Despite giving themselves a glimmer of hope, Blackpool were ultimately unable to break down the visitors, as three points went across the Pennines with Sheffield United, who moved level on points alongside league leaders Burnley.

Contrastingly, Blackpool will end the year languishing inside the relegation zone, following a demoralising run of eight league matches without a win.

Flashscore Man of the Match: James McAtee (Sheffield United)