In this edition of Memory Match, we focus on the biggest margin Leeds have beaten the Blades by. On Saturday 19th March 1988, the Whites ran out victorious with a 5-0 drubbing of Dave Bassett’s men.
Former player-turned-manager Billy Bremner watched on with delight as Sheffield-born former Wednesday forward John Pearson bagged a hattrick, alongside goals from defender Peter Swan and midfielder John Sheridan.
Bremner named an unchanged XI from the previous match, an away win at top of the table Aston Villa, whilst the visitors handed a debut to defender Simon Webster who had signed the previous day from local rivals Huddersfield Town.
Celebrations began as early as the second minute for Leeds as they attacked down the Blades’ righthand side. The ball looked destined to run out of play, but tenacious play from David Batty kept the chance alive, with now Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder then fouling Ian Baird on the edge of the area.
Glynn Snodin chipped a dangerous ball into the box and, with the away team failing to clear at the first attempt, Swan tucked a left-footed shot into the bottom corner!
Despite dominating possession and creating numerous more chances, Leeds did not score again before the break, but handsomely made up for it in the second half, helped by the fact the Blades had Wally Downes sent off.
The four goals Leeds netted after the interval began when the half was eight minutes old. Gary Williams swung in an inviting cross that Pearson rose highest to meet, powering a bullet header past Andy Leaning from a few yards out.
Six minutes later and the Blades’ keeper was beaten for a third occasion, this time by Sheridan. The midfielder showed all his class with a composed first-time finish from just outside of the area as the ball set up invitingly for the Republic of Ireland international.
The Whites went close to a fourth as Bob Taylor’s audacious bicycle kick was saved well by Leaning, before Pearson rattled the woodwork with a header from the resulting corner.
The reprieve was only temporary however, when Pearson stooped low moments later to head home his second of the match with 11 minutes left on the clock.
Within a minute, the striker claimed the match ball as Leeds secured the Yorkshire bragging rights in style, well placed to meet Baird’s cross and finish off a flowing passing move.
