Sheffield United 3-0 Lincoln City: Bamford brace eases pressure on Wilder

Patrick Bamford scored twice as Sheffield United returned to winning ways with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Lincoln City at Bramall Lane.

The Blades, who had lost their previous two league games, dominated for long periods and finally broke the deadlock two minutes before half-time. Joe Rothwell found Sam McCallum on the left side of the area and his low cross was deftly flicked past goalkeeper Zach Wickens by Bamford at the near post.

Seven minutes after the restart, United doubled their lead. Rothwell again provided the key pass, this time sliding the ball into the path of Tahith Chong, who fired low under Wickens from a tight angle for his first goal in Blades colours.

Lincoln, who had won three of their previous four away matches, introduced a triple substitution just after the hour mark in an attempt to change the flow of the contest, but the visitors rarely threatened Michael Cooper’s goal.

The points were sealed in the 77th minute when Ben Brereton Diaz swung a cross over from the right and Bamford met it with a firm far-post volley to complete his brace and wrap up a first clean sheet for United since late August.

The result ended a three-match losing run in all competitions for Chris Wilder’s side and lifted the pressure on the home team after a difficult start to the Championship campaign.