Town lost their 100% record when they let an early two goal lead slip in the second half at Sheffield United. A gloriously inept piece of goalkeeping in the third minute from Simon Tracey saw a weak James Scowcroft shot bobble over the 'keeper's shoulder and into the net.

Eight minutes later Town were two up when Mark Venus headed on a near-post corner form Jamie Clapham and David Johnson notched his sixth of the season, to keep him the Division's highest scorer.

Johnson should have added to this a few minutes later when he had a one-on-one with Tracey only for the 'keeper to redeem himself diving to his right as Johnson tried to round him. Perhaps it might have been wiser for the sriker to have shot. Town were to rue this and a host of other missed chances.

At half-time Sheffield United boss Adrian Heath threw on Petr Katchouro, with former Town target Martin Smith moving back to the midfield.

It was Smith who reduced the lead in the 54th minute after an excellent save from Richard Wright. Wright dived to his left to save but couldn't hold onto the ball, although from the away end it seemed that he may have been impeded.

By now Town, who were completely dominant in the first half and were enjoying passing the ball about an a fair bit of showboating, found themselves under quite a bit of pressure. Wright made an excellent save, tipping the ball high and wide of his right hand post. With the continuing Sheffield United pressure it seemed inevitable that they would get an equaliser. Marcelo, hated by Town fans for his dive in the Cup match two years ago, nodded in a cross with Richard Wright complaining bitterly that he had been pushed.

Town had their chances, most notably through Richard Naylor, to get back in front. However, it was entirely their own fault that they found themselves letting a two goal lead go.

However, we still find ourselves at the top of the League, with the added bonus of the Scum finding themselves at the bottom. Presumably valuable lessons can be learnt so that we don't let inferior sides like Sheffield United off the hook again.

R Wright 8 Some excellent saves

Wilnis 6 Not his best game (Stockwell 65min)

Thetis 6 Poor second half display (Mowbray 65min)

McGreal 6 One horrific challenge

Venus 7 Some good running as ever

Clapham 7 Created much down left

Scowcroft 6 Fluky goal, quiet second half

Holland 7 Good tackling

Magilton 6 Good first half,but clearly not 100%

Naylor 6 Poorest game so far this year

Johnson 7 One well taken goal, one crucial missed chance

Photo: Action Images

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