Sheffield United 2 - 0 Oldham Athletic AFC: Billy Sharp brace sees Sheffield United march on with win over Oldham

Posted Tuesday, December 27, 2016 by PA

Two second-half goals from Billy Sharp gave high-flying Sheffield United a 2-0 victory over struggling Oldham.

In a first half of few chances, Oldham's Ryan Flynn had a 20-yard shot turned over the bar by Simon Moore while the home side's best effort came from Mark Duffy whose free-kick was saved by Connor Ripley.

Sharp saw his header deflected wide and Kieron Freeman had a shot blocked.

Soon after the restart, Duffy also had an effort blocked while Sharp tried a first-time shot from inside the area which went over.

Oldham's Josh Law floated a free-kick just over before the hosts took control of the game.

Sharp produced an emphatic finish on 72 minutes after receiving the ball from Duffy on the right-hand side of the area.

Oldham substitute Freddie Ladapo went close to equalising when his 25-yard volley forced Moore to tip the ball wide.

But Sharp added a second two minutes from time to wrap up the points for the Blades, sweeping home the loose ball after Leon Clarke put Ripley under pressure from Duffy's cross.