Sheffield United go top of Championship after draw with managerless West Brom

Sheffield United went top of the Championship table with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against managerless West Brom.

First-half goals from Andre Brooks and Karlan Grant meant that the points were shared at Bramall Lane.

United began to press the visitors from the off, forcing West Brom into numerous early misplaced passes.

This intensity led to the opening chance, as Brooks did well in winning the ball back and found Kieffer Moore alone in the box.

But the Welshman’s volley went harmlessly towards the corner flag.

Brooks was again involved shortly after when his curled effort narrowly flew over the bar.

West Brom’s first chance came through Callum Styles, whose strike lacked any conviction after a mazy run.

The Blades opened the scoring in the 23rd minute. Callum O’Hare deftly backheeled a pass into the path of Brooks who took the ball in his stride and finished well under keeper Alex Palmer.

Josh Maja had a chance to bring the game level minutes later but lost his balance at the crucial moment.

Just after half an hour, Tom Fellows had an even better chance for the visitors.

The forward was left with an open goal after a Michael Cooper parried save, but his volley sailed over from close range.

West Brom continued to push forward, and the Baggies made it 1-1 in time added on at the end of the half.

United failed to clear their lines, and Grant fired a low effort past Cooper from the edge of the box.

Cooper’s outstretched hand prevented the visitors from taking the lead after the restart.

The Blades goalkeeper bravely got in between Grant and an open goal.

Again, Cooper came to the rescue as he palmed away Grant’s effort from the centre of the box.

United’s first meaningful attack of the second half came after the hour-mark with a strong run from Harrison Burrows, but his cutback failed to find a team-mate.

Strong appeals for a penalty were waved away after United’s Alfie Gilchrist was taken down in the area.

Tom Davies struck from outside the box, but his effort whistled past a post as the Blades grew into the half.

Further calls for a penalty were ignored when O’Hare was forced to the ground following a fast United break.

Davies saw his overhead kick attempt go wide after a long Jack Robinson throw with 20 minutes left to play.

Substitute Jed Wallace had a free-kick in a dangerous position for the Baggies, but Cooper watched it all the way.

Brooks was involved again for the hosts as his ball across the box was smashed over by Rhian Brewster from close range with five minutes left to play.

As the game entered stoppage time, both sides pressed but could not find a winner.