West Brom 0-1 Sheffield United: Kieran Dowell strike hands vital three points to Chris Wilder’s men

Gareth Barry’s 38th birthday turned into a sour affair as Sheffield United returned to the Championship’s two in a rousing game at The Hawthorns.

Veteran midfielder Barry, who was also making his 825th senior appearance, was also outjumped for the only goal of the game, scored by Kieran Dowell as Chris Wilder’s side went second on goal difference above Leeds United to continue their fine run of form with one defeat in 11 Championship outings. 

While the Blades maintained their impressive streak, West Brom suffered only their second defeat since New Year’s Day to end a four-match unbeaten run. 

Kieran Dowell (right) scored the only goal as Sheffield United beat West Brom

Dowell, on loan from Everton, scored in the 14th minute to hand the Blades three points 

Dowell celebrates with his United team-mates after scoring against West Brom 

And, based on this performance where they had to withstand plenty of attacking intent from West Brom, they looked a good bet to return to the Premier League.

West Brom had much of the play and it looked like they had equalised six minutes from time when Jay Rodriguez netted. But his aerial effort from Mason Holgate’s cross was correctly ruled out for handball, and he was rightly booked.

In truth, Darren Moore’s side did enough to have earned at least a point, rather than suffer their first league defeat since New Year’s Day.

The visitors went ahead with the game’s first serious attack in the 14th minute. Midfielder Kieran Dowell, on loan from Everton, floated a header inside the far post for his first goal for the club, beating Barry in the air in the process.

The goal came after Martin Cranie wriggled to the byeline to cut the ball back following a surging run by Kieron Freeman, who found his team-mate on the overlap for the cross. Ollie Norwood started the move just outside his own penalty area.

The visitors threatened a second goal soon afterwards when Marvin Johnson’s first-time curling effort drew a low save from Sam Johnstone, the West Bromwich goalkeeper.

The hosts were slower into this game and it was beyond the mid-point of the first half when they produced their first serious effort, when Mason Holgate, the right back, cut inside and curled a left-footed shot just wide.

Chris Wilder shouts instructions to his United team during their match on Saturday

Dwight Gayle was unable to take a chance to get West Brom level against United 

West Brom striker Dwight Gayle then missed contact as he slid in when he should have done better after escaping around the back of the United defence to latch on to a bouncing shot from Rekeem Harper.

West Brom threatened again when defender Craig Dawson’s strong header was well held by goalkeeper Dean Henderson on the line before Rekeem Harper, drilled wide from 25 yards.

After withstanding some pressure from West Brom, it was United’s turn to give the hosts some problems of their own following the restart.

David McGoldrick hooked in an inviting cross and it took some cool footwork from Ahmed Hegazi, the central defender, to keep the ball away from Billy Sharp deep inside the penalty area.

But West Brom hit back with a genuine chance of their own when Gayle saw an angled drive strike a defender for a corner.

The visitors could have made sure of their hard-earned victory in the 80th minute when Dowell’s flick allowed Gary Madine, the substitute, a clear shooting chance from a central position. But he could only fire straight at Johnstone from 20 yards.