Both managers bemoaned the lack of goals after Town and Sheffield United played out a goalless draw, albeit an entertaining one, at Bramall Lane this afternoon.

New Town boss Joe Royle appeared to solve the Blues' defensive deficiencies by playing a 3-5-2 formation with Thomas Gaardsøe at its heart, but felt his side were short of bite up front: "We lack a little bit of a cutting edge. Darren got close a couple of times, but this was a good first brick for us.

"Tommy Gaardsøe played very well for us and Jim Magilton played well too. We're still looking over our shoulder a bit and we've really got to start winning soon.

"There's no shortage of quality here but we've been a little amiss in both boxes. We sorted one out today, we got a clean sheet, but we're still working on the other one."

Blades' manager Neil Warnock had similar complaints despite enjoying the game: "That's one of the best 0-0s I've ever seen but I think both clubs can see what they're missing - that's a striker.

"We've got four or five here but all of them are what I would call substitute strikers. It seems to knock a bit off them when any of them start a match.

"I can't fault my players for effort today and I think we proved we could mix it. We have players who tackle and work hard but when they get the ball they can pass it.

"I have had to play kick and chase in the past, but then I've had players who couldn't pass water, but here I've got some good lads."

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