Boss hails new boy Evans

Kevin Blackwell praised Ched Evans after he celebrated his Sheffield United home debut with a goal in the 2-0 win over Watford.

Blackwell praise for Blades' summer signing

Kevin Blackwell praised Ched Evans after he celebrated his Sheffield United home debut with a goal in the 2-0 win over Watford. Blades boss Blackwell insisted the 20-year-old has the ability to write his name into Bramall Lane's history books. Evans still has some way to go before he joins the likes of Brian Deane, Tony Agana and James Beattie in the United supporters' affections but his performance underlined why Blackwell brought him to South Yorkshire. "I was pleased with Ched," he said. "He showed good instincts both in terms of his passing and his finishing. "We made plenty of chances and were always on the front foot. We were inventive and creative. I was very pleased with them." Goals either side of the interval ensured the scoreline reflected United's dominance. Jamie Ward marked his return from suspension by firing the hosts into the lead after just 11 minutes when, having already gone close with a long-range drive, he repaid Blackwell's faith by converting Keith Treacy's centre. United continued to press and their tenacity was rewarded when summer signing Evans demonstrated the strength and poise which persuaded Blackwell to spend a large chunk of his transfer kitty on the 20-year-old by directing a low drive beyond Scott Loach. Watford boss Malky Mackay said: "Obviously I'm disappointed we lost the game and disappointed with the first goal because we switched off. "We were going for the equaliser and then the second goal comes. "I was disappointed with that for other reasons. Then we were chasing the game and looked ragged."