We told you the consensus was that Sheffield United ought to have had a penalty.

Yet Blades great Billy Sharp has suggested on Sky Sports that the award of a spot-kick for Dom Hyam's challenge on Harrison Burrows would have been "soft".

So perhaps it was not cut and dried after all.

Carl Asaba
Former Sheffield United striker on BBC Radio Sheffield

It's been a really good performance from Sheffield United. It's been attacking and committed. Every pass has had pace on it and asked questions.

Romelle Donovan has been a thorn in this Wrexham side but the manager will be disappointed they've not got the second goal.

Phil Parkinson will have his players riled up for the second half because he's under pressure too but we will have to be wary because we've not got that second goal.

We've got to go at the same tempo in the second half because we have players on the bench

Barry Horne
Former Wrexham midfielder on BBC Radio Wales

Yes Wrexham are on the back foot, yes they've been second best, but somehow it's only 1-0 and they're not out of the game.

Ian Mitchelmore
BBC Sport Wales

Ahead of the season, Wrexham aimed a cheeky dig at Southampton over the Spygate scandal when announcing their 2026-27 fixtures.

On their September schedule, the Welsh club had written "check training ground" along with an asterisk that clarified "for unauthorised visitors" on the date of 17 September, two days prior to their contest with Southampton.

Co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac also aimed a light-hearted dig at the Saints with a video that went viral on X last month.

And it seems the Saints have not forgotten those digs.

On the back of Wrexham being fined by the English Football League this week for fielding two ineligible players earlier this season, Southampton responded to Wrexham's team news post for tonight's match.

Replying to Wrexham's team news on X, the Saints' official account wrote: "Hope you've double-checked this one lads..."

All fun and games, eh?

Image source, Wrexham

Chris Wilder must be well pleased with what he has seen so far.

With top scorer Patrick Bamford missing, he turned to Ben Brereton Diaz up front and the Chile international has responded wit a first goal since returning to Bramall Lane on loan.

Sheffield United have looked bright going forward and composed - for the most past - defensively.

It is Phil Parkinson with the bigger problems at the break.

Image source, Getty Images

Away from tonight's action for a moment, an unusual story emerged this week involving Wrexham.

The Welsh club have been fined £75,000 - of which £25,000 is suspended - by the EFL after two incidents of fielding ineligible players this season.

The EFL ruled that Issa Kabore and Callum O'Hare were ineligible to feature in Wrexham's games against Birmingham City and Millwall respectively.

Kabore came off the bench in the 2-1 defeat by Birmingham in August despite his Home Office 'right to work' documents not being correctly uploaded.

O'Hare, having joined from Sheffield United the day before, was an unused substitute in Wrexham's 3-0 win at Millwall in September even though his documentation was not uploaded in time.

A club statement read: "We can confirm that Wrexham AFC has reached an agreed decision with the EFL concerning two breaches relating to player eligibility."

Read more: Wrexham fined for fielding ineligible players

Barry Horne
Former Wrexham midfielder on BBC Radio Wales

Sheffield United were excellent in the first half. They look so well coached.

The Blades lead at the break and Wrexham can have no complaints.

In fact, it's the home side who will be grumbling after what looked a good shout for a penalty was turned down.

As it is, Wrexham are still right in this contest - but a significant improvement is required if they are to get back into this contest.

Wrexham almost conjure something right at the end of the half thanks to some slack Sheffield United defending, but the home side scramble clear as Ollie Rathbone threatens to shoot.

Barry Horne
Former Wrexham midfielder on BBC Radio Wales

Issa Kabore has had a tough half having to deal with Romelle Donovan. I can see him being taken off at half-time.

Kalvin Phillips whips in an inviting set-piece but Wrexham clear.

The Blades have a corner.

There will be three additional minutes.

Carl Asaba
Former Sheffield United striker on BBC Radio Sheffield

The boys are looking like they are enjoying themselves with good firm passes.

They just need this second goal.

Now Tahith Chong goes down in the Wrexham box after finding space thanks to Jordan Ayew's clever dummy, but this one looks a good tackle from Dom Hyam.

After a long spell on the ball, Romelle Donovan curls a cross into the Wrexham box but that is an easy one for Anthony Patterson.

Sheffield United are stroking the ball around nicely now.

Wrexham are still looking for a foothold in the contest.

Carl Asaba
Former Sheffield United striker on BBC Radio Sheffield

Wrexham had a poor result against Blackburn last weekend and you can see the confidence draining from them.

Kabore's having a shocker against Donovan.

Sheffield United have had 61% of possession so far. In truth it feels like more.