“We’re Here to Make New Memories” – Wilder Reacts as Sheffield United Crush Bristol City in Play-Off First Leg | OneFootball

Sheffield United produced a ruthless and composed display to take a commanding 3-0 lead over Bristol City in the Championship play-off semi-final first leg at Ashton Gate.

The Blades thought they had made a dream start just 10 minutes in when Jack Robinson’s trademark long throw caused chaos in the City box. Tyrese Campbell rose highest to nod the ball into the net, sparking wild celebrations in the away end. However, joy quickly turned to frustration as the assistant referee flagged for offside, judging Sydie Peck to have interfered with play while tangled with Jason Knight on the goal line.

Despite the setback, Chris Wilder’s men continued to control the contest and got their reward on the stroke of half-time. Campbell flicked the ball on and Kieffer Moore muscled his way beyond Rob Dickie, who brought him down inside the box. Although Dickie made some contact with the ball, the foul was deemed to have denied a clear goalscoring opportunity, prompting a red card and a penalty. Harrison Burrows stepped up with confidence, sending Max O’Leary the wrong way to hand the Blades a deserved lead.

Second Half Blades’ Subs Proved Inspired

The second half began in a more measured fashion, with both sides struggling for rhythm. Wilder responded by introducing Callum O’Hare, Andre Brooks, and Tom Davies, changes that would prove pivotal.

Within minutes, Burrows whipped in a low cross from the left, O’Hare cleverly dummied at the near post, and Brooks ghosted in unmarked at the back post to slot home the second, just seven minutes after coming on.

United weren’t done yet. A corner from Gustavo Hamer was met by Anel Ahmedhodzic, whose header fell to Vinicius Souza. The Brazilian couldn’t get a clean strike, but the ball rolled kindly to O’Hare, who flicked it deftly into the net to make it three and send the travelling fans into raptures.

Sheffield United Delivered A “Professional Performance” in First Leg

BRISTOL, ENGLAND – MAY 08: Andre Brooks of Sheffield United celebrates scoring his team’s second goal with teammate Hamza Choudhury during the Sky Bet Championship Play-Off Semi Final First Leg match between Bristol City and Sheffield United at Ashton Gate on May 08, 2025 in Bristol, England. (Photo by Harry Trump/Getty Images)

Post-match, manager Chris Wilder praised his team’s mentality and performance:

“It was a really professional performance and after the Burnley game, I knew we’d be ready for this,” Wilder said. “We thought we got our noses in front early, but we kept pushing and were clinical when it mattered.”

He hailed the impact of Moore and Campbell, noting their balance of physicality and movement, and highlighted the importance of focus going into the second leg:

“I thought the front 2 have a bit of everything with Kieffer linking it and going more direct into him and Tyrese stretching the game as well. I think [Campbell] will be a little disappointed that when he went through he’s not opened his body up and given himself more of an opportunity to go either side, he’s got it caught under his feet.”

He added: “There must be a full house at Bramall Lane for this team in my opinion, at it’s best it will give the players the energy to push them on to a Wembley appearance hopefully.”

Asked about the weight of United’s previous play-off failures, Wilder was clear:

“They shouldn’t be because I think one of the games which I was at I don’t think half of our players were born. There’s been history but there’s been history attached to Newcastle and they go and win at Wembley. The club’s going to be here for another 150 years and there’s going to be a play-off campaign where they come through it and are successful. That’s not attached to us. I think the local guys in the press have mentioned that, it’s only the older supporters that bring that up. We’re here to make new memories.”