Sheffield United Beat Lincoln City 3-0 at Bramall Lane

Sheffield United defeated Lincoln City 3-0 at Bramall Lane as Patrick Bamford scored twice and Tahith Chong added his first goal for the club, helping the Blades end a three-game losing run and move to 13th in the Championship table.

According to BBC Sport, Bamford opened the scoring shortly before halftime by converting Sam McCallum's low cross in the 43rd minute. Chong doubled the lead early in the second half before Bamford completed the win with a volley.

The victory lifted Sheffield United two places above last season's League One title winners, with the Blades one point ahead of Lincoln City. The result followed a difficult period that included a poor league start and an EFL Cup exit to League Two side Fleetwood Town in September.

Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder said he had felt criticism surrounding the team's performances before the match.

"Bashed about," said Chris Wilder, Sheffield United manager.

Wilder said the response from his players, coaches and himself was important after the team returned to winning form.

"We needed it. We have heard all the noise, so we needed it individually. Players needed up their game - the coaches, the manager, we all did. And we did," said Chris Wilder, Sheffield United manager.

The Blades controlled much of the match but faced an early threat when Lincoln's Freddie Draper headed over from Rob Street's cross. Sheffield United then took control after scoring before the break.

"This was an awkward game that we had to deal with," said Chris Wilder, Sheffield United manager.

Chong, who had represented Curacao at the World Cup in the summer, made his first Championship start of the season and scored after combining with Joe Rothwell. Bamford later finished the scoring after Ben Brereton Diaz delivered a deep cross.

"We don't like to get bashed up, and I don't think you would like someone come over the top of you and bash you all the time about your performances. We don't enjoy it and don't like it, so always the best way to react is by putting in a performance like that," said Chris Wilder, Sheffield United manager.

Lincoln City joint head coach Chris Cohen said his side competed well for much of the match before Sheffield United's goals changed the game.

"I thought for 35 minutes it was the game that we probably wanted. We had a decent chance with Fred, but weren't quite able to put it on target," said Chris Cohen, Lincoln City joint head coach.

Lincoln missed an opportunity through Draper before Sheffield United's opening goal, and Cohen said the timing and quality of the hosts' finishes proved decisive.

"And then the timing of the goals today, and the quality of the goals were real sucker punches," said Chris Cohen, Lincoln City joint head coach.

Cohen added that the final stages became difficult despite the statistics showing a relatively even contest.

"It ended up being a tough day, although statistically I think it will look really even, it was a tough last half an hour," said Chris Cohen, Lincoln City joint head coach.