Sheffield United and Birmingham City began their Championship campaigns with a goalless draw at Bramall Lane in a match short on clear chances and attacking quality.
Both clubs have ambitions of challenging for promotion this season, but neither side was able to produce the decisive moment in an underwhelming curtain-raiser. Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder and Birmingham City head coach Chris Davies will now hope to strengthen their squads before the end of the month.
The opening-day optimism that traditionally accompanies a new season was not reflected in the performance, with the first half passing without either team registering a shot on target.
The contest was closely fought, although there was a brief spell of activity shortly before the half-hour mark when both sides created their best opportunities of the opening period.
Sheffield United threatened first when Patrick Bamford met Femi Seriki’s deflected cross, but his hooked effort went narrowly wide.
Birmingham City responded immediately. Alex Cochrane delivered a well-weighted cross towards Paik Seung-ho, but the South Korea international was unable to make sufficient contact with his header and the opportunity went begging.
The visitors started the second half with greater purpose and came close to breaking through in the 58th minute. Carlos Vicente was sent through on goal, but instead of shooting, he attempted to pass and Japhet Tanganga intervened to cut out the ball.
Birmingham City continued to apply pressure and finally produced the game’s first effort on target four minutes later. Jay Stansfield’s low shot was comfortably dealt with by Sheffield United goalkeeper Michael Cooper.
Cooper was called into action again soon afterwards, though the second attempt from Stansfield was a more hopeful effort from distance and presented less danger.
Having weathered Birmingham City’s strongest spell, Sheffield United began to push forward in search of a winning goal.
Their clearest chance arrived when Callum O’Hare played Bamford through into the penalty area. However, the striker’s effort was directed straight at Birmingham City goalkeeper James Beadle, who kept it out with his feet.
Neither side could find the quality needed to turn pressure into a goal, and the match ended with the points shared. It was an opening fixture likely to fade quickly from memory, with opportunities at a premium and attacking play failing to reach the standard expected of two clubs targeting promotion.
The result leaves both teams with a point from their first game of the Championship season, although each manager will recognise that further additions may be needed before the transfer window closes at the end of the month.
Sheffield United’s Chris Wilder:
To follow…
Birmingham City’s Chris Davies:
To follow…
