'It needs to be nipped in the bud, otherwise you've never got a chance to win games'

Regan Poole has admitted he is unsure why corners are causing Pompey so many problems.

- by Pepe Lacey

Referee Leigh Doughty shows Terry Devlin a red card

But the central defender has stressed the Blues' weakness has to be sorted as defensive frailties continue to hamper John Mousinho's men.

Set pieces have been a real headache for the head coach this term, with Pompey conceding against Coventry, Birmingham, Hull and Millwall in recent weeks.

That worrying trend continued on Wednesday, with Sheffield United's first two goals in their 3-0 Bramall Lane success coming via flag-kicks.

The contest's defining moment saw Terry Devlin sent off after stopping Japhet Tanganga's header with his hand on the goal-line.

Sydie Peck's penalty set the Blades on course for a comfortable win, the first time this season they had scored more than once in a home fixture.