On Thursday night Sheffield United were sent packing from the FA Cup after being on the wrong end of two very poor pieces of officiating at the KC Stadium. Today two favourable decisions with an offside goal and a debatable penalty went in the Blades favour as they beat promotion rivals Birmingham at Bramall Lane.

Despite the controversial moments, there can be no doubt United deserved the win as they dominated much of the second half after a scrappy opening 45 minutes. Danny Webber had converted from close range to give the home side the lead just before the interval but despite being in control after this point they were pegged back thanks to Chris Morgan's own goal. However Lee Mason deemed that Stephen Carr had pushed new signing Craig Beattie in the box and David Cotterill converted from the spot for his first goal for the club. The victory was a crucial one as it propelled United back into the top six but also saw them start to be considered once again as automatic promotion contenders.

United freshened up the side as they saw a number of players back to full health or free from the shackles of being cup tied or suspended. Back in the side were Matthew Kilgallon, Nick Montgomery, Danny Webber and Darius Henderson with Billy Sharp and Lee Hendrie out injured. Birmingham has failed to score in their previous two away games in the week and were still without James McFadden and Kevin Phillips. They gave a start to new signing Carlos Costly alongside former Blade Marcus Bent. They also started recent signing Stephen Carr and loan wingers Scott Sinclair and Hameur Bouazza.

The Blades began with Cotterill and Halford interchanging flanks and the latter had an enterprising run stopped by Carsley. Halford was then back defending but gave away a free kick when he was adjudged to have shoved Carr right by the touchline. From the delivery from Sinclair, Birmingham nearly had a dream start as Bent headed back across goal and the ball flicked the top of the bar and away to safety.

Naughton then worked an opening but Webber was slow to react and his touch saw the ball get away from him and the chance was gone. Montgomery was booked for a clumsy late challenge in the middle of the field and then Costly headed over when well placed. The game was an even contest but Birmingham has enjoyed the better chances and after Morgan had dived in, Sinclair was away. Kenny came out but started to dart back to his goal but fortunately the Chelsea loan man's attempted chip was neither on goal nor near any other Birmingham attackers and the ball ran away towards the corner flag.

Bouazza was then booked for his late challenge on Quinn. United had their best chance from Cotterill's corner as Henderson's header was blocked by Carr. As the ball span into the air Webber could only head straight at Taylor when he maybe should have done better. After Bent had a long range effort held comfortably by Kenny, Henderson then had two more openings, heading over from Cotterill's left footed delivery and then hitting a low drive into Taylor's arms after getting away from Jaidi.

After a hesitant start, United had come more and more into the game and with it chances were now starting to come. Right on the stroke of half time the opening goal came and it was the home side that got it. Naysmith cleverly created space and angled a cross into the box towards Henderson. The striker sent a superb cushioned header towards WEBBER who was unbelievably left alone with the goal at his mercy. His first touch on the chest seemed a little heavy but he admirably kept his composure and as the ball bounced up cleverly hooked it into the net past the hesitant Taylor.

As the half time whistle went, replays were to show that the big striker and Greg Halford were both offside but it was notable that Birmingham did not appeal for such a decision and clearly had not even realised this was the case.

The second half began with Birmingham replacing Costly with one time Blades target Jerome but it was United who continued where they had left off. Quinn was booked for a foul on Fahey but he then offered a more positive contribution sending over a deeper cross that Henderson could only head wide when well positioned. The same man maybe should have done better than head over when Cotterill worked another opening and cross. United were well on top now and were winning most of the ball in the key areas of the field.

A superb chance came and went when Cotterill whipped in a dangerous free kick and Kilgallon should have scored but headed straight at Taylor who spilled the ball but Morgan could only hit the ball at Taylor's grounded body and the keeper managed to divert the ball away for a corner kick. Carr was booked for a cynical pull back on Cotterill as the Blades continued to dominate. United would surely hope they would not rue these missed chances but Birmingham were still in the game and a tame Bouazza header was a timely reminder to the United backline even if it was the first time they had even got near Kenny's goal. The tiring Henderson was replaced by home debutant Beattie on 70 minutes but it was not long after this that Birmingham stunned the ground with an unexpected leveller.

Murphy was left all alone on the left hand side and advance inwards before hitting a low and dangerous cross that sought out Jerome. However, before it got to its intended recipient, MORGAN got there first but could only slice the ball past his keeper and into the net. The goal stunned the Blades players and fans that had seen their team in complete control up to this moment.

Ward came on for Webber and then Bromby for the injured Halford going to right back immediately, with Naughton switching to right wing and Cotterill to wide left. United tried to rally themselves and were soon back on the attack but Ward was muscled out of it after a promising burst. However, United were given a lifeline with just 6 minutes to play as Naughton created half a yard from the cross and delivered a deep centre. Beattie leapt under pressure from Carr and Jaidi and tumbled under the twin challenge. Referee Lee Mason pointed instantly to the spot. Birmingham appealed in vain and after Quinn had picked up the ball he eventually gave it to COTTERILL who after a lengthy delay spotted the ball and then coolly sent Taylor the wrong way as he easily converted.

Birmingham were shell shocked and indiscipline saw Carsley bring down Ward on the edge of the box but Beattie's free kick was blocked. Ward then seemed to get away from Queudrue who appeared to pull him back but referee Mason waved play on. The referee gave a number of bizarre decisions in the closing stages not least of which was to opt to play an additional 5 minutes when the trainer for neither side had hardly been called into play. He then booked Naughton straight after choosing not to book Bouazza for a far worse tackle!

However, United wisely saw out much of the time in the Birmingham third, winning a corner and throw to eat up much of the stoppage time. One last opportunity came after Ward had committed a foul but Jerome could not get any purchase on his attempt and the ball span off Morgan and looped into Kenny's hands. This was the last action of the game and the final whistle was met by jubilant punches to the sky by most of the United players as they knew this was both a deserved and vital victory.

United

Much better performance in comparison to what we have seen at home for the most part this season. We may have had the key decisions but there can be no question that we deserved to win the game. We showed more desire, hunger and for the most part actually played the better football, especially in the second half. United really looked like they wanted it today and even after they levelled against the run of play, we showed good character to go on and win the game. If we had failed to win it would have been a big dent not just in terms of not being back amongst the front runners but also in terms of the players and fans' confidence.

We were not that great in the first half and perhaps a touch fortunate to lead, not just in terms of the decision by the linesman. Still despite us not playing that much scintillating stuff in the opening to the game I felt we fought hard and won a lot of the scraps. Birmingham only really had the Bent header and the Sinclair attempt and United could say they had as many chances with Webber having a few half chances to convert. The goal seemed to give us the confidence to go on and lifted the crowd in turn and after the break it was all United.

We won the tackles and loose balls but also played some good and claver football at times. We used the flanks well and with Halford and Cotterill dangerous throughout we looked like scoring more goals. However, a failure to take the chances we had always looked costly and you felt that despite Birmingham's lack of chances and goal threat that they would only need one opportunity and so it proved. I felt United's chance had gone after that but they kept at it and got their reward, albeit in controversial fashion.

I thought United showed more desire then the visitors and this allowed us to win the first balls and often many of the second balls. Thus we had them on the back foot for long spells. Cotterill was a constant threat with his crossing and Henderson a handful throughout. Montgomery bossed the midfield for much of the game and it was rare Birmingham came out with a loose ball in the second half.

With increased competition for the run in hopefully we can avoid suspensions and injuries but feel Cotterill and Henderson will be key to us. They need to be playing and with confidence. Anything we can get from O'Toole will be a bonus but if we can keep up the tight defensive performances and maintain our results away from home then who knows. We have played all the top 7 teams at home now so in theory there still should be some winnable games at Bramall Lane. The next two away games are vital I feel as if we can take 3-4 points it would leave us nicely positioned with 4 out of 5 at home then!

I still personally think we lack the consistency to challenge for automatic and regret us throwing points away at home earlier in the season. However, although we have tough games at Reading and Cardiff to come; I do not see anything really fearful in the run in and that is why if we can do well in the next week then who knows but there is a long way to go. I do not think we are any worse than any of the top 10 but probably not much better either! I still maintain Reading and Swansea are the only real good sides I have seen and despite us being poor for the most part of the season we are still up there. The last few weeks has seen improvements too in the style of football. Hopefully this time next week we are still within 5 or 6 points of the top 2 with that run of home games to come.

Kenny 7/10
Did not have much to do. Still was slow off his line at times but then made one ill advised dash when Sinclair chipped wide of the goal. He had little chance on the goal. Some better distribution today with lower kicks that often found the taller players or put the Birmingham defenders under pressure.

Naughton 6/10
Thought he carried on from his poor performance from Thursday and had a poor start to the game but did improve in the second half. He has hit his first real sticky spell since coming into the team though. Felt that positionally he was poor today and seemed to be out of the orthodox right back position too many times. On the goal he was nowhere to be seen as Murphy picked up the ball and crossed although Halford was slow to react to the danger too. I felt his touch and overall distribution was also off key today but he did make the run and cross that led to the penalty.

Naysmith 7.5/10
Solid game and played Bouazza well throughout. Got into good positions, made key tackles and interceptions and got forward when he could. Sent over three or four great diagonal crosses including the one that led to the first goal. My only criticism of him at times is his penchant for knocking long balls instead of using the good technique he has to retain possession.

Kilgallon 7.5/10
Played well throughout. Used his pace and good reading of the game to mop up and as United got stronger so did he. Felt the strikers for Birmingham did little throughout. Also, he came out of defence and got forward well. One or two rushed clearances or balls that gave away possession were the only negative.

Morgan 7/10
Did most of the basic defensive things really well, winning his battles with Costly and Jerome but obviously he still made one or two botched clearances and converted an own goal. I know he was under pressure but surely he could have put it behind the goal instead of clumsily diverting into it into the goal.

Montgomery 8/10
Excellent performance. He won most of the loose balls and tackles all game and although he did gave the ball away some of the time he also put some good balls out, both short and long. However, he showed a desire to win things that were sometimes 20-80 or 30-70 in his favour. People will always be divided on Monty but since he got back into the team a few months ago, his performances on the whole have been pretty consistent.

Quinn 6/10
A frustrating performance but better than he has been in recent weeks. He at least (along with Monty) helped us completely win the midfield battle for loose balls/tackles/50-50's. His passing was still a mixture and his tendency just to help the ball on or flick at balls rather than get it down and play was still maddening. He was one of our weaker players in the first half but got stronger as the game went on and was more careful with the ball. I think he will be the one most under threat from O'Toole/Hendrie to play alongside Monty. I cannot see how he can leave the other 3 midfielders out at the moment after recent games as Halford (fitness pending), Monty and Cotterill have all done quite well.

Halford 7/10
He played in two or three positions again today, both wide positions and then coming inside the middle of the field but showed up well in all. Just an intelligent, solid footballer. As others have said he is a contender for player of the season. He does nothing flash but rarely gives the ball away, tries to make things happen and offers passing, touch, height and the long throw. Improved each week as the season has gone on. Worryingly he hobbled off right at the end though and will be a big miss if out for a spell.

Henderson 7/10
Showed what we have missed as he is a real presence up front. Gives defenders real problems with height and physical play but is more of an intelligent footballer than we probably thought we had signed. Lovely cushioned header for the goal. Maybe should have done better with a few other headed attempts but toiled well all game and will be vital for the run in if he can avoid suspension!

Webber 6/10
I thought that he did some good things but that his overall performance was still really inconsistent and all too often good moments petered out into him losing the ball or being muscled out of it. Still he scored a well taken goal (after I thought his first touch was too heavy) and maybe could have had another with a chance at his feet early on and then the reaction header. I still do not think he does enough at times but he has started to nick the odd goal here and there post Xmas, after really long barren run prior to that.

Cotterill 8/10
Thought he was superb today. Since he got back into the team a few weeks ago he has for the most part given the team a new outlet and some of the recent improved performances, Hull (H & A) and today have been due to the width United have had at their disposal. He got in 6 or 7 really good crosses that should have led to more goals, ran at the full back Murphy who was led a dance all afternoon and also o worked as hard as I have ever seen him in defending and getting back. He was as effective down the left as the right and put in balls with his left foot too. His renewed confidence was shown by the cool penalty that may be a defining point in the season. Him retaining this form and confidence could be key to where we finish.

Subs

Beattie
Looked lively when he came on and showed a turn of pace I did not think he had. He also wanted to get on the ball and looked more mobile than I remembered from his West Brom performances. At least now with more players to choose from people will have to earn their shirts.

Ward
For a little 'un he does not shy the challenge and had one or two very direct runs. He could be a useful sub for the run in with his pace when defences tire and was unlucky not to have gained a free kick when Queudrue pulled him back.

Bromby
Came on for the injured Halford and went to right back. Had an awful and bizarre free kick that went further away from the goal than near it but at this stage he had come on to try and nullify the dangerous McSheffrey.

Birmingham

Thought they were really poor for most of the game. I have watched them a few times this year and have been distinctly unimpressed. They have stayed in and around the top 3 but this shows as much about the rest of the division as them. They have an impressive squad and set of individuals but for the most part they did tend to play as exactly that; individuals. They probably have the biggest wage bill and maybe the biggest squad too but every time I see them they do not seem to play as a team and lack the heart/desire they probably need to go up. I saw them at Hillsborough the other week and they should have lost that game and I have seen them fortunate to win other games (the United game in the season opener is just one such game).

They probably have enough quality in individuals just to nick goals and have been very good at the back, conceding very few goals, especially away from home. However, they have been in really poor recent form and have now only scored one own goal in three away games and only picked up one point at slumping Palace. They were alright in the first half and played patches of football and perhaps looked a bit more composed than us but when we scored they seemed to go into their shell second half. I thought they would have a real go and really go at us especially after the results yesterday but they regressed even further in the second half. They barely had a chance or spell of the game but when they scored I thought they had got out of jail. Fortunately their performance got exactly what it deserved; nothing, despite the decisions going against them.

They have hit bad form at the worst time winning just two out of the last 10 but luckily for them Reading and Wolves have also hit really bad form. Just a shame United could not have put in two performances against Doncaster and Wednesday like the last two home performances as they then would really be in with a shout.

Without Phillips they look punch less up front and if the wide loan players don't fancy it they struggle to look much of a threat. Costly did nothing and Bent was not much of a factor after the flicked header hit the bar. Jerome who came on was so slow to react to things and often just fouled Morgan and did not improve them at all. McSheffrey is a good player at this level and not a bad substitute. In the centre of the park, I felt Carsley tried to show some fight but he was on his own as Fahey was anonymous and as mentioned Sinclair and Bouazza did not seem to fancy a scrap and were not interested in doing the messy stuff without the ball.

At the back Queudrue battled gamely but Jaidi is big, clumsy and for the most part a liability. Carr and Murphy struggled with our wide player's intelligent play and interchange all game and allowed too many dangerous crosses to come into the box. Taylor also was culpable for the first goal being so slow off his line when a brave challenge at Webber's feet would have stopped the goal I felt. He did make one or two good saves in the second half.

I think Birmingham will just miss out on the top two as feel Wolves and Reading will recover now and go up but in the playoffs Brum will still be a strong threat as they do have the players to go up but seem to lack the heart/bottle at the moment.

Referee

Lee Mason and his officials had a game to forget. They got several decisions wrong both ways. Obviously the key decisions went for United with the first goal, Henderson being offside (and Halford) and then the penalty being very soft. However, they did not seem to give us much in between and it was a telling sign that despite these big decisions going in United's favour they were still booed off by the home fans. I thought the Montgomery and Carr bookings were fair enough but others were very harsh. He booked Quinn, Naughton and Carsley for relatively innocuous challenges but then let some challenges in between go unpunished either for fouls or bookings. Bouazza's late tackle near the end was one clear booking but Mason bottled it as he had already booked Bouazza.

The foul on Ward at the end was a clear pull back and a possible red card as he was the last men but the officials decided they saw nothing. For the last 10 minutes of the game, Mason completely lost it and no one on either side seemed to know what he was going to give next.

Other notably bad decisions were the award of a corner when Jaidi headed straight out and was turning around to run back for a goal kick. Another was the linesman on the South Stand giving Brum a throw when Naysmith clearly booted it against an opponent and the official was stood right next to the incident. I suppose we should be glad we got two big decisions but the officials really were poor today and were so inconsistent all the way through.