Soccer
Sheffield United coast past Mansfield to reach Carabao Cup second round
Sheffield United eased into the second round of the Carabao Cup after Patrick Bamford, Mark McGuinness and Callum O’Hare goals wrapped up a 3-0 triumph at League One Mansfield.
Chris Wilder’s Championship outfit showed greater composure in front of goal to gain revenge for being dumped out of the FA Cup last season by the Stags.
The Blades forged ahead in the fourth minute after midfielder Joe Rothwell had two shots blocked before skewing a third into the path of Bamford, who turned the ball past Harry Lewis from eight yards.
Rothwell skied over from a similar distance with the home goal at his mercy before Blades goalkeeper Michael Cooper made a smart low save at the other end to keep out Frazer Blake-Tracy’s volley on the stroke of half-time.
After the break, Mansfield substitute Rhys Oates had an excellent chance to equalise but ran the ball out of play with a heavy touch after rounding Cooper.
McGuinness put the outcome beyond doubt in the 71st minute when he met Sydie Peck’s corner with a towering header.
And O’Hare found the roof of the net from four yards in the 89th minute after being teed up by Ryan One, who had collected Romelle Donovan’s cross.
