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Blackburn Rovers 1-2 Sheffield United: Blades Through to Carabao Cup Third-Round

VAVEL.com · Charlie Holtappel; VAVEL com · 2026-08-25T21:21:27+00:00 · nguồn gốc

Chris Wilder's Sheffield United travelled to Lancashire to face Blackburn Rovers in an all Championship matchup in round two of the Carabao Cup. Blackburn made seven changes to the XI that beat Middlesborough on Saturday including a debut for young right back Lucas Houghton. Sheffield United made nine changes from their goalless draw at Swansea. Mark McGuiness and Joe Rothwell were the only two to retain their places in the starting lineup. Story of the Match The first chance of the game fell to the hosts, Dion De Neve controlled a cross from young debutant Houghton and prodded a left footed effort straight at Adam Davies, almost getting Rovers off to a flyer. Tony Mowbray's side were dealt a huge blow early on, last seasons top scorer Yuki Ohashi was forced off with injury after pulling up with just 10 minutes on the clock. Immediately after, Romelle Donovan nearly capped off a slick move for the visitors, driving a powerful left footed shot towards goal and forcing Aynsley Pears into a reflex save. Sheffield United would find themselves in space once again, and this time Blackburn were punished. The two strikers combined as Tyrese Campbell slipped in Tom Cannon who lifted an effort over the onrushing Pears to give his side the lead. Sheffield United used the opening goal as a real source of momentum, continuing to target the wings and try and get in behind the Blackburn defence. Chris Wilder's side did look the more likely to score next, although the home side did create a couple of chances to level the game. Cannon had an excellent chance to double the lead right before the break as Blackburn's defence was exposed again. The Ireland international got right under his shot however, and blazed his effort over the bar. Just moments later he would go even closer as his left footed attempt struck the base of the post. It looked as if anyone was going to score, it would be him. Blackburn would not go down without a fight and Tony Mowbray made three changes at the break. Kristi Montgomery and Todd Cantwell were both introduced, and there was also a debut for 18 year old left back Harvey Pates. Rovers looked rejuvenated in the second half and they would have their reward soon enough. Dapo Afolayan whipped a fantastic effort into the top right corner from just outside the area. This equalizer gave the home crowd a real boost and belief that their side would be the one to find a winner. Just after the hour mark, Cantwell would have the freedom of Ewood Park but failed to get the ball under control as he raced through on goal. With 15 minutes to go, the game was finely poised, both sides looked like they had the potential to find a winning goal Romelle Donovan had been a livewire all night for Sheffield United and it would be him who would give The Blades the lead. Callum O'Hare's cutback found Campbell who poked an effort towards goal which came back off the post. The ball would fall on a plate for Donavan to tap into an empty net. This late on in the game, it could be the goal that put Sheffield United in the hat for round three. Blackburn kept applying the pressure and with six minutes added on they kept pushing for a leveller to send the match to penalties. Unfortunately for Tony Mowbray's men, they would not find this goal and it would be Sheffield United who take their spots in the third round draw. Player of the match - Romelle Donovan The man on loan from Brentford played a crucial role in seeing his team into round three of the Carabao Cup. Donovan scored the winner and was at the heart of everything for Sheffield United taking the most shots and completing the most dribbles. Whilst his goal was a fairly easy one to take, it cannot be understated the impact of his performance on the night.