DOYLE 6

Safe in the first half, made decent stop in the second before handling little slack.

SPECTOR 6

Ever alert and aware, defended his area with determination.

MURPHY 7

Once more excellent in defensive duties and scooting forward.

CALDWELL 7

Resolute, competitive and quick to act when required on deck and in air.

DAVIES 7

Powerful and strong, imposed self and had odd foray upfield.

BURKE 7

Caused torment with tricky wing play, a real handful.

MUTCH 7

Played with poise and purpose, growing with every game.

GOMIS 7

Highly efficient, kept things simple but did them well.

REDMOND 7

Vibrant, sparky moments and slammed in goal to set Blues on way.

ELLIOTT 7

Always on go and lively, clever and problematic.

**STAR MAN**

ROONEY 7

Two sharp, excellent finishes and worked relentlessly for team.

SUBSTITUTES

Gnahore (for Burke, 80)

Reilly (for Mutch, 80)

Not used: Pablo, Fahey, Zigic, Valles, Butland.

SHEFFIELD UNITED (4-4-2): Simonsen, Lowton, Jean-Francois (Williams, 61), Maguire, Collins, Williamson, Doyle, McDonald, Evans, Cresswell (Porter, 72), Quinn (Flynn, 72). Subs: Montgomery, Ertl, Philliskirk, Long.

GOALS: Redmond (18), Rooney (38, 59), Elliott (78).

BOOKINGS: McDonald (foul, 79) – Sheffield. Elliott (foul, 82) – Blues.

GAME RATING: 7

Interesting and delightful encounter for Blues.

CROWD WATCH: 7

Blues’ raucous following rocked and enjoyed themselves. Attendance: 18,072.

REF WATCH 6

L Mason (Lancs): Did nothing untoward.

THE MANAGER: 7

Chris Hughton continues to provide elixir of expression.

INJURY WATCH

None reported.

WHO’S NEXT UP FOR BLUES?

Leeds United (a) tomorrow, 7.45pm.