Derby day delight for Sheffield United as Wilder reflects on victory over the Owls | OneFootball

Sheffield United claimed the bragging rights in a fiercely contested Sheffield derby, edging past local rivals Sheffield Wednesday with a hard-fought 1-0 victory at Bramall Lane on Sunday afternoon.

It was a game defined by intensity and grit, but not necessarily quality, with Tyrese Campbell emerging as the hero, finding the net in the 50th minute to send the United faithful into raptures.

The decisive moment came shortly after the break. United capitalised on a well-positioned free-kick, as Gustavo Hamer kept the play alive following Harrison Burrows’ delivery. Hamer skillfully picked out Callum O’Hare, who then set up Campbell with a perfectly weighted pass. With precision, Campbell drilled his shot home, igniting the Bramall Lane crowd and securing a crucial win for the Blades.

SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 10: Tyrese Campbell of Sheffield United celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Sky Bet Championship match between Sheffield United FC and Sheffield Wednesday FC at Bramall Lane on November 10, 2024 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by Ed Sykes/Getty Images)

Chris Wilder reflects on Sheffield United beating Sheffield Wednesday

Post-match on SUTV, United manager Chris Wilder expressed his delight in clinching a derby victory, a fixture that holds personal significance for the boyhood Blade. “Growing up and watching them, unfortunately not playing in them, they’re always special,” Wilder remarked. “I was talking to Jamie Hoyland before the game, knowing his history with Tommy, and him playing in the one where we won 2-0. I think I was standing on the old dugout when [Brian Deane] scored the second so that’s what it means to all of us and the players as well. They’ve bought into everything that we’re doing.”

Wilder praised Campbell’s winning goal as a highlight in an otherwise cagey affair. “Fabulous finish by him and a great bit of play by Gus and Callum connecting as well. That was possibly the only bit of decent play in the game,” Wilder admitted. Aware of the physical nature of the fixture, he noted, “I would’ve loved us to have played really well… but those scenes at the end, no one really cares about how we’ve played as long as we’ve got that result.”

Wilder also took a moment to acknowledge the importance of the fans, emphasising their support and dedication. Reflecting on last season’s struggles, he appreciated the fresh momentum surrounding the club. “I’m delighted for the supporters because they had a lot to put up with last season,” Wilder said. He highlighted the sense of unity within the squad and stressed the value of their shared commitment to the club.

For those questioning the players’ efforts, Wilder had a clear message: “We’ve got a group here that are giving everything for the football club”. He added, “We’re going to have bad days like every club, but, as long as we stick together and we’re all connected, which I believe we are 99.9% of the way, we’ve got a chance of winning games of football and got a chance of having a successful season.”