Ben Brereton Díaz's first goal of the season sealed a deserved 1-0 Championship win for Sheffield United against Wrexham at Bramall Lane. The Chile forward, in his third spell on loan with the Blades, struck the only goal in the first half as Chris Wilder's side notched their third win in five games to climb to within a point of the top eight. The Blades are bidding to make up lost ground after winning only one of their first five league games this season, while Wrexham, lacking confidence and inspiration, slipped to a fourth league defeat in their last seven.
Following a rendition of The Last Post before kickoff to mark Remembrance, the Blades seized the early initiative. Jordan Ayew flashed a shot narrowly off target and Sydie Peck's low effort was easily gathered by visiting goalkeeper Anthony Patterson. United's momentum was briefly checked when Kalvin Phillips needed treatment, but the former Leeds midfielder re-entered the fray. Lewis O'Brien's tame shot in the 24th minute was Wrexham's first effort on goal, and soon after Japhet Tanganga picked out Ayew in the box. After the striker's low shot was parried by Patterson, Brereton Díaz pounced to turn home the rebound for his first goal of the season.
Wrexham offered little threat in a subdued first-half display, although United defender Liam Kitching's well-timed challenge denied Ollie Rathbone a rare scoring chance in stoppage time. The Welsh club enjoyed their best spell after the restart, but former Blades striker Kieffer Moore was jeered by home fans when he fired over the crossbar. Blades goalkeeper Michael Cooper's superb punt sent Ayew racing into the box, with Ben Sheaf charging back to deny him with a last-ditch tackle.
Blades teenage winger Romelle Donovan was applauded for eye-catching trickery when replaced by Tyrese Campbell in the 86th minute. Campbell teed up Peck soon after, but the latter's low shot was saved by Patterson. Wrexham showed more urgency in six minutes of added time, but substitute Danny Imray blazed over at the far post before Sam Smith headed straight at Cooper.
Source: ESPN Soccer · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing