Sheffield United vs Northampton Town. Sky Bet League One.
Bramall LaneAttendance24,194.
Saturday 31 December 2016 18:08, UK
Kieron Freeman's late goal sealed a 1-0 win over Northampton that sent Sheffield United top of Sky Bet League One.
Freeman struck just a minute from time to finally end Northampton's resistance and send the Blades top of the table, at least temporarily.
And Bolton's later win at Scunthorpe ensures Chris Wilder's side stay at the summit - a point ahead of the Trotters - heading into 2017.
United's Paul Coutts had a low drive saved by Adam Smith early on while Northampton's first effort came from Sam Hoskins, whose shot from inside the area was charged down.
The home side then enjoyed a good spell with Freeman firing in a shot which was deflected off target.
Billy Sharp also missed the target with a header and Coutts shot narrowly wide.
After Paul Anderson headed wide at the other end, United threatened again when Mark Duffy's free-kick was deflected wide. Duffy also had a shot easily saved.
Sharp went close to scoring midway through the second half when his effort hit a post while Matthew Taylor also threatened for the visitors with a free-kick which was saved by Simon Moore.
Freeman, though, scored the winner when he fired into the roof of the net from close range to send United above Scunthorpe.
