Sheff Utd 1 Walsall 0 - match report

Jamie Paterson's dreadful backpass on 14 minutes cost Dean Smith's side a spot-kick and defender Dean Holden, who was sent off for chopping down Dave Kitson.

And there was no way back for the battling Saddlers once Blackman had netted from the spot.

Despite an excellent effort against the unbeaten Blades, Smith's men are now winless in five League One games.

Walsall threatened first when Florent Cuvelier saw a long-range shot dip just over the bar.

But they were a goal and a man down on 14 minutes after Paterson's under-hit backpass found Dave Kitson, who was hauled down on his way to goal by a desperate Holden.

The Saddlers man was sent off Blackman sent Karl Darlow the wrong way to slot home the resulting penalty.

But the visitors held their own and could have been level five minutes before the break when Cuvelier created a chance from nothing.

He powered past Marcus Williams out wide and crossed for Will Grigg, who saw his well-hit shot saved superbly by home keeper George Long.

Early in the second half Tony McMahon sent a long-range shot just over for the Blades after darting past Paterson.

But at the other end Cuvelier went close with a half-volley that flew just wide after a poor header from Michael Doyle.

There were a couple of scares for the visitors, first when Andy Taylor had to crucial challenge on Michael Doyle in the penalty area and then when Darlow clawed away a shot from substitute Shaun Miller.

But Smith's men could not find a way through despite a creditable display.

By Steve Madeley