Vital Season in Review: November

As the winter weather was setting in, the Blades began November with two televised Monday night games.

First up, Newcastle United were the visitors to Bramall Lane, in what proved a frustrating evening for United.

Ryan Taylor's shot deflected off Chris Morgan before beating Ian Bennett in the Blades goal. United refused to lie down and forced goalkeeper Steve Harper into a plethora of fine saves. In the end it just wasn't enough, and Harper refused to be beaten, extending the Blades losing streak to four games.

The following week and a South Yorkshire derby at Oakwell, which saw the return of Derek Geary. Geary, who had been missing since the beginning of last season completed fifty minutes as a first-half substitute to the delight of the travelling fans. The Blades twice went behind at Oakwell, but two penalties from Darius Henderson rescued an undeserved point for United, who had just two shots on target all game.

When the Blades returned to Bramall Lane the following Saturday, Peterborough United were the visitors, and the winless streak was finally brought to an end.

Mark Bunn returned in goal following a hand injury suffered by Bennett in the previous game, and his rest seemed to have paid-off when he saved a second half penalty by George Boyd. The Blades grabbed the victory thanks to Henri Camara on his first start, tapping in after Joe Lewis had saved from Ched Evans.

November came to an end with a dramatic game at Ashton Gate, where Darius Henderson was the hero once again.

After putting the Blades two-up, Henderson looked on as Bristol City pulled two back in the second half. The equaliser came three minutes into stoppage time, but United responded, with on-loan 'keeper Carl Ikeme launching the ball forward from the kick-off, for Henderson who controlled before completing his hat-trick and getting United back to winning ways.

Monthly Record: P4 W2 D1 L1 F6 A5 Pts 7 Pos 14th

Monthly Grade: B-

Player of the Month: Darius Henderson

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