SUGAR ROY LEONARD

Blades defender Max admits he was ribbed by team-mates after his rumble with Hodgson: I felt awful... but fair play he’s stronger than he looks

- GIDEON BROOKS

SHEFFIELD UTD 0

CRYSTAL PALACE 1

BLADES defender Max Lowe admitted he was ribbed by team-mates in the dressing room about losing his touchline tussle with feisty 76-year-old Roy Hodgson.

But he insisted it has to be one of the few battles Sheffield United are on the wrong side of this season if they are to scrap their way to survival against the odds.

Lowe's grapple with the veteran Palace manager was a comedy vignette of an allaction encounter big on muscle but short on quality - the Blades undone by one lapse in concentration when Odsonne Edouard poked home the decider from close range. Lowe, who said he felt "awful" after grappling with the former England boss over a quick throw-in, said summoning that battling spirit for the whole season will be key.