An early mistake from Stevenage was enough for Sheffield United to secure a 1-0 win in League One this evening.
The home side had the better of the chances inside the opening 10 minutes, and took the lead when John Mousinho turned the ball into his own net while defending a corner.
Simon Heslop created a couple of chances to get Stevenage back on level terms, but hit the ball over with his own shot, before Luke Freeman was unable to get his shot away from Heslop's cross.
Stevenage captain Jon Ashton had to leave the match with an injury just 23 minutes in, with Luke Jones coming off the bench to take his place.
Jimmy Smith took a free kick from a dangerous position, which he curled towards Francois Zoko, but the striker's header just missed the target.
The visitors continued to press at the start of the second half, winning a free kick 25 yards out less than two minutes after the restart, but they were unable to capitalise.
The home side soon started to push for a second goal, but Curtis Obeng was able to turn a Jose Baxter delivery behind for a corner, before blocking a Steven Scougall strike.
John Brayford almost handed Freeman the equaliser when he was slow to clear, but Mark Howard managed to keep the ball out.
Heslop continued to prove dangerous in midfield, but Zoko was unable to control his ball into the box, allowing the Blades to clear the danger.
Howard had to remain alert in the home side's goal late on as Freeman unleashed a powerful strike, but it was straight at the keeper.
Ben Davies tried to create a chance for Nigel Clough's side in the final couple of minutes as they looked to put the result beyond doubt, but his cross was cleared, while Conor Coady fired over moments later.
Freeman hit the cross deep in stoppage time, but the home side cleared from the resulting corner to hold on for the win.
Sian Cowper
