Sheffield United

Sheff Utd 3-2 Hull
David Unsworth smashed home from close range in the dying minutes as Sheffield United snatched a crucial victory in their race for automatic promotion. The hosts dominated the first half and got the opener when Neil Shipperley poked home Michael Tonge's cross before Paul Ifill's firm header made it two. However, Stuart Elliott reduced Hull's arrears and fellow substitute Darryl Duffy stabbed home to level. But Unsworth struck at the death to send the Blades clear in second spot. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sheffield United boss Neil Warnock: "In 26 years in football as a manger I don't think I have ever been prouder of a group of players as I have with these at full-time. "I couldn't have asked for any more, if we had drawn 2-2 I wouldn't have criticised any of them. "It was a great Yorkshire derby and an important win for us." Hull boss Peter Taylor: "I've seen the video and it was an absolute stonewall penalty. We share a ground with Hull FC and they would've been pleased with that tackle. "We had some good play, some good togetherness and some good quality. "I'm really disappointed with the result but I can't ask any more from the boys, for the last two weeks they have shown me they can play in the Championship." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sheff Utd: Kenny, Short, Morgan, Kozluk, Unsworth, Jagielka, Ifill (Kabba 87), Tonge, Armstrong, Shipperley, Webber. Subs Not Used: Akinbiyi, Montgomery, Gillespie, Lucketti. Goals: Shipperley 36, Ifill 52, Unsworth 90. Hull: Myhill, Thelwell, Cort, Delaney, Dawson, Paynter (Elliott 56), Andrews, Green, Ellison, Fagan (Duffy 56), Parkin. Subs Not Used: Duke, France, Wiseman. Booked: Myhill. Goals: Elliott 65, Duffy 70. Att: 26,324. Ref: P Crossley (Kent).

Police examine Kenny celebrations
South Yorkshire police will investigate complaints about Sheffield United goalkeeper Paddy Kenny's behaviour after their 3-2 victory over Hull. David Unsworth's late goal earned a win which boosted United's promotion hopes. "Complaints have been received from Hull fans that the goalkeeper made gestures," said a police statement. The Football Association said it would wait to hear from the police before taking any possible action, and that any police inquiries took priority. Superintendent Martin Hemingway, head of the Sheffield Football, Events and Licensing Unit, added: "A number of complaints have been received and officers are looking into them. "We need to get a full picture of what is alleged and gather the available evidence. "There is no doubt that events on the field affect the behaviour of spectators and allegations of deliberate taunting are always taken very seriously." Saturday's Yorkshire derby attracted a crowd of 26, 342, and five arrests were made.

Defender Wright's season is over
Defender Alan Wright will miss the rest of the season after it was confirmed that he tore a hamstring in Derby's 1-0 win against Millwall on Saturday. The 34-year-old has been on loan at Pride Park from Championship rivals Sheffield United since February. He has made seven appearances for the Rams, but has now returned to his parent club for treatment. Wright has made 483 league appearances for six clubs, including an eight-year spell at Aston Villa

Cardiff 0-1 Sheff Utd
Sheffield United planted one foot in the Premiership after securing a nervy victory at Ninian Park. The Blades need just one more point to seal their place in the top tier, but they will be promoted anyway if Leeds fail to beat Reading on Saturday. Danny Webber grabbed the winner in the 76th minute with a superbly-controlled shot which found the bottom corner. Webber had earlier found the side netting, while Jason Koumas managed Cardiff's only shot on target. After a promising opening where both sides showed encouraging intent to attack, the standard got progressively worse as the first-half wore on. Neither side managed to get behind the solid looking centre half partnerships, as dead balls became the most likely source of breaking the deadlock. Cardiff had the better of those chances, with Steven Thompson prominent. The former Rangers striker put a header just wide from a 25th-minute corner - the home side's fourth up to that point - and was inches away from connecting to a Koumas cross inside United's six-yard box. Kevin Cooper wasted a clear opening inside the box when he blasted his left shot over the bar after being put through by Koumas on the stroke of half-time. Cardiff almost caught the visitors cold after the break as Koumas, pushed up just behind the front two, had a clear run on goal. Thompson's intelligent header sent the Wales midfielder on his way, but his tame left-foot shot from the edge of the box was comfortably saved as left-back David Unsworth applied some vital pressure. It took United an hour to create a decent scoring opportunity when substitute Ade Akinbiyi found midfielder Chris Armstrong in space just outside Cardiff's penalty area. But in keeping the Blades' slightly edgy performance, Armstrong snatched at his shot and sliced it wide. Webber went even closer two minutes later when he found the side netting with a low drive from the right-hand side of the box. The striker had a golden opportunity to settle United's nerves five minutes later when he blasted over from eight yards from Steven Kabba's perfect pull-back. But he made no mistake on 76 minutes when he benefited from an awful pass from Jerome to grab the winner. Cardiff looked to have cleared the danger, but Jerome's backpass from went straight to Webber and he produced a rare piece of composure to curl a beautiful shot inside the far post from the left edge of the box. The result finally ended the Bluebirds' faint hope of reaching the Championship play-offs, but sparked wild celebrations among the United's travelling contingent at the final whistle. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cardiff boss Dave Jones: "We gave the ball away on the halfway line and we've not tried to retrieve it quickly. "It's that mistake that cost us. We took the game to them. A bit more quality and a bit more care in front of goal and we could have gone ahead. "I can't remember Neil (Alexander) having a shot to save but you've got to take your chances." Sheffield United boss Neil Warnock: "We realise we're very close to promotion now. "A lot of our fans want to do it on Tuesday (against Leeds) but I hope we can do it by tomorrow afternoon. That'll do me fine. "I feel quite emotional, but we haven't had anything easy." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cardiff: Alexander, Weston, Purse (Cox 45), Loovens, Ledley, Cooper (Parry 67), Scimeca, Boland (Whitley 32), Koumas, Thompson, Jerome. Subs Not Used: Barker, Ndumbu-Nsungu. Sheff Utd: Kenny, Kozluk, Short, Morgan, Unsworth, Montgomery, Jagielka, Tonge, Armstrong (Kabba 62), Shipperley (Akinbiyi 45), Webber (Ifill 80). Subs Not Used: Geary, Lucketti. Booked: Montgomery. Goals: Webber 76. Att: 11,006 Ref: M Jones (Wales).

Sheff Utd v Leeds
Newly-promoted Sheffield United have no fresh injury or suspension concerns ahead of the visit of Yorkshire rivals Leeds to Bramall Lane on Tuesday night. But Neil Warnock may shuffle his pack, meaning Steve Kabba, Ade Akinbiyi and Chris Lucketti could start. Leeds' preparations have been hit by a mystery virus that has affected skipper Paul Butler, Gary Kelly, Danny Graham, Gylfi Einarsson and Robbie Blake. Sean Gregan (rib) and Frazer Richardson (knee) are also doubtful with injury.

Warnock considered Blades future
Sheffield United boss Neil Warnock says he probably would have left the club if they had not won promotion this season. Warnock is set to sign a new contract in the summer but he said: "If we hadn't gone up I don't think I'd be here. I wouldn't carry on. "The majority of fans have been with me and are thrilled that we have gone up. I know I have made mistakes, we all do, but I believe in myself. "I've proved a few people wrong and I'm delighted to do it." Sheffield United plc chairman Kevin McCabe decided not to open talks about a new contract for Warnock until he knew which league the Blades would be playing in next season. But with his deal due to expire in the summer, Warnock spoke to Portsmouth about their vacant manager's position earlier this season. However, the Blades boss insisted: "I haven't got a problem with the contract situation. Kevin has always told me that he is my contract and I trust him totally."

Sheff Utd 1-1 Leeds
Sheffield United manager Neil Warnock needed a police escort as he was sent from the touchline during a fiery derby against their Yorkshire rivals. Warnock was furious after Gary Kelly's late tackle on Blades defender Craig Short just before the break. The promoted Blades were ahead after just 10 minutes as Eirik Bakke headed an own goal past Neil Sullivan. But Leeds levelled through David Healy's brilliant left-foot strike three minutes before the break. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sheffield United boss Neil Warnock: "I'm very disappointed to be sent off and I don't think it was warranted at all. "I made a comment to Blackie about his players' tackles and the fourth official took offence to that. "Mr Robinson did the same a few weeks ago when Mark Halsey was refereeing. Some of the comments that were directed at him from some of Kevin's staff were more direct to the official. It's a vendetta to get me sent off." Leeds boss Kevin Blackwell: "There was some passion in it, that's for sure, and if anyone thought either side was just going to give it up they were sadly mistaken. "There was no way Sheffield United were going to make it a showboating occasion and some of the tackles showed that. "We've come away unbeaten again and that's four games against Reading and United this season and we've yet to lose. That's a positive. We had good possession of the ball and it was a solid performance." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sheff Utd: Kenny, Short, Unsworth, Geary, Lucketti, Jagielka, Kabba (Dyer 82), Montgomery (Armstrong 60), Tonge, Akinbiyi, Webber (Ifill 79). Subs Not Used: Morgan, Shipperley. Goals: Bakke 10 og. Leeds: Sullivan, Kelly, Crainey, Butler, Kilgallon, Miller, Bakke (Pugh 80), Derry, Hulse, Douglas, Healy (Moore 79). Subs Not Used: Bennett, Beckford, Graham. Booked: Crainey, Kelly, Miller, Derry. Goals: Healy 42. Att: 29,329 Ref: G Poll (Hertfordshire).

Warnock may face Premiership ban
Sheffield United manager Neil Warnock could face a touchline ban in the Premiership next season as a result of his sending off against Leeds. Warnock was sent to the stands by referee Graham Poll after venting his anger at counterpart Kevin Blackwell over Leeds' physical play. Warnock was furious after Gary Kelly's late challenge on Blades defender Craig Short just before the break. "I'm disappointed to be sent off and I don't think it was warranted," he said. The Blades boss also had to be escorted by a police officer down the tunnel as he refused to leave quietly. After the game Warnock expressed his anger Blackwell's players. The Leeds manager was Warnock's assistant at Bramall Lane until he walked out to join their Yorkshire rivals three years ago. Warnock added: "I made a comment to Blackie about his players' tackles and the fourth official took offence to that. "Mr Robinson did the same a few weeks ago when Mark Halsey was refereeing. Some of the comments that were directed at him from some of Kevin's staff were more direct to the official. It's a vendetta to get me sent off. "I just thought the fourth official totally overreacted."

Luton v Sheff Utd
Luton hope to have defensive duo Kevin Foley and Russell Perrett back after injury while Sol Davis is hoping to recover from a thigh injury to play. Markus Heikkinen misses out with suspected ankle ligament damage and Calvin Andrew has a knee injury. Sheffield United striker Steve Kabba and defender Craig Short are both doubtful after picking up knocks during the midweek derby against Leeds. Midfielder Nick Montgomery could also miss out with a knee problem.

Luton 1-1 Sheff Utd
Michael Tonge rescued a point for promoted Sheffield United with an injury-time strike to cancel out Ahmet Brkovic's 72nd-minute effort. The Hatters had done enough to win the game but were forced to rue a missed penalty in the 54th minute. Rowan Vine blasted the ball over the bar after Chris Morgan brought down Warren Feeney in the box. Brkovic then headed home David Bell's cross before Tonge equalised with a free-kick into the bottom corner. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Luton boss Mike Newell: "That pretty much sums up our season. I think we had the better of the game and created all the chances. "We had it won and Marlon (Beresford) didn't have a save to make all day. "I know Sheffield United are promoted and might have taken their foot off the gas, but we had them beaten and it's very frustrating." Sheffield United boss Neil Warnock: "I thought we deserved a point, but it's been a long, long season and I'm glad it's nearly over. "I wanted to experiment a little bit with my line-up against quality opposition, a side with great movement. "But if you ask me if I enjoyed it, I'd have to say no. The highlight for me was putting on the sunscreen at half-time because it was so hot." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Luton: Beresford, Keane, Howard, Barnett, Edwards, Morgan (Nicholls 73), Holmes (Bell 62), Showunmi, Brkovic, Vine, Feeney. Subs Not Used: Stevens, Andrew, Brill. Booked: Howard. Goals: Brkovic 72. Sheff Utd: Kenny, Unsworth (Forte 45), Lucketti, Morgan, Gillespie, Armstrong, Tonge, Jagielka, Geary (Short 81), Dyer (Francis 62), Akinbiyi. Subs Not Used: Shipperley, Webber. Booked: Dyer, Lucketti. Goals: Tonge 90. Att: 10,248. Ref: R Oliver (W Midlands).

Woodhouse set for boxing career
Grimsby midfielder Curtis Woodhouse is set to swap boots for gloves and embark on a career as a professional boxer at the end of the current season. The former Sheffield United captain, 26, has been given the go-ahead by the British Boxing Board of Control. Woodhouse, who has no previous ring experience, will be trained and managed by Dean Powell, who is connected to Frank Warren's Sports Network group. Woodhouse joined the Mariners from Hull during the January transfer window. The Driffield-born player made his debut for the Blades aged 17 in 1997 and went on to make over 100 appearances for them. He moved to Birmingham for £1m in 2001 and made 14 appearances for promotion-chasing Grimsby in League Two.

Warnock poised for contract talks
Sheffield United manager Neil Warnock is set for talks on Friday with chairman Kevin McCabe that will resolve his contract situation. The Blades manager is meeting McCabe in Belgium and will discover how much cash he will have to spend on new signings. Warnock told the Yorkshire Post: "We have not talked about money yet and I will know more after the meeting. "The board backed me really well last summer and I am sure they will do all they can again this summer. Warnock added: "Obviously, I have certain things in mind now but until we sit down and talk them through then there is little point in saying any more." The Blades have a 12-month option to extend Warnock's contract, which is due to expire in the summer, but may reward him with a longer-term deal after he guided them into the top flight.

Sheff Utd v Crystal Palace
Jonathan Forte could feature for the Blades after impressing boss Neil Warnock in the 1-1 draw with Luton. With no fresh injury worries, Warnock's dilemma is whether Neil Shipperley or Danny Webber will partner Ade Akinbiyi. Palace are also free of new injury worries as they prepare for the play-offs against promoted Blades. Danny Butterfield looks set to retain his place following an impressive return to action after being out since October with a pelvic problem.

Sheff Utd 1-0 Crystal Palace
Sheffield United ended their season on a high with victory over Crystal Palace to mark the Bramall Lane club's promotion-winning campaign. Chris Morgan grabbed the winner after 81 minutes when he headed in Keith Gillespie's cross. Palace's best chances fell to Clinton Morrison but he had a goal harshly disallowed for offside and also headed over from eight yards. Sixth-placed Palace will now play third-placed Watford in the play-offs. Palace had rested Andrew Johnson for the game with manager Iain Dowie not wanting to risk an injury to his star striker ahead of the two-legged encounter with Watford. And, while Morrison had his side's best two chances of the match, Palace struggled for any form and will be hoping to improve before the first leg of play-off semi-final. The party atmosphere did not make it easy at Bramall Lane with the home fans in celebratory mood as they looked ahead to Premiership football next season. The first-half was a forgettable affair and, even though the urgency of the match picked up after the break, chances were few and far between before Morgan nodded in for the winner. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sheffield United manager Neil Warnock: "It's going to be close but I think Palace have got the best team. "They would be my tip if all their players are fit but all the sides have got plusses and you could toss a coin between the four of them. "But I do like Palace and think they are a smashing club and they look strong at the moment." Crystal Palace manager Iain Dowie: "There's a lot of confidence in the squad and we'll go into the Watford games believing in ourselves. "It's never pleasing to get beaten, I thought we were comfortable for most of the game today. "I thought we looked very strong and very powerful and it was just our final ball which let us down. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sheff Utd: Kenny, Short (Lucketti 77), Morgan, Kozluk, Unsworth (Deane 84), Jagielka, Tonge, Gillespie, Armstrong, Shipperley (Akinbiyi 59), Webber. Subs Not Used: Ifill, Geary. Booked: Unsworth. Goals: Morgan 81. Crystal Palace: Kiraly, Ward (Hudson 76), Popovic, Borrowdale, Fitz Hall (Butterfield 58), McAnuff, Watson, Soares, Reich, Freedman (Macken 66), Morrison. Subs Not Used: Leigertwood, Speroni. Booked: Popovic, Butterfield. Att: 27,120 Ref: A Leake (Lancashire). -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Play-off semi-final dates: First legs Leeds v Preston (Elland Road, Friday, 5 May, 1945 BST) Crystal Palace v Watford (Selhurst Park, Saturday, 6 May, 1215 BST) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Second legs Preston v Leeds (Deepdale, Monday, 8 May, 1945 BST) Watford v Crystal Palace (Vicarage Road, Tuesday 9 May, 1945 BST) Play-off dates for other divisions to be confirmed

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