30th April Sheffield United 1 Crystal Palace 0 (Attendance: 27,120)
Line-up: Kenny, Short (Lucketti 77), Morgan, Kozluk, Unsworth (Deane 84), Jagielka, Tonge, Gillespie, Armstrong, Shipperley (Akinbiyi 59), Webber.
Subs Not Used: Ifill, Geary.
Booked: Unsworth 65.
Scorer: Morgan 81.
Man of The Match: Danny Webber.

Chris Morgan headed home a late winner for United in the final match of the season at Bramall Lane. The defender nodded home with nine minutes remaining to ensure the Blades celebrated their return to the Premiership in style. Iain Dowie's men arrived at the Lane knowing they needed to secure maximum points to give themselves any hope of avoiding a sixth-placed finish. Dowie rested 17-goal striker Andy Johnson ahead of the crucial forthcoming play-off encounters against Watford, who confirmed third spot with a 0-0 draw against Hull. And in his absence, the Eagles posed precious little goal threat, suggesting the forgotten England striker holds the key to the club's hopes of securing an immediate return to the Premiership. Despite that Palace threatened to strike the opening blow after four minutes when Jobi McAnuff raced down the left flank and sent a dangerous low delivery across the face of goal. United defender David Unsworth produced a timely clearance at the far post to avert the danger with Clinton Morrison lurking. After 15 minutes Eagles goalkeeper Gabor Kiraly was forced into action when Blades striker Neil Shipperley, skipper for the day against his former employers, arrived at the far post to connect with Unsworth's deep free-kick. The Hungarian keeper made a routine stop from Shipperley's downward header but, in truth, events in the stands were more interesting and amusing than the fare served up on the pitch. The Blades fans got a Mexican wave going around the ground, with fans dancing their way up and down the Kop. And even the Palace goalkeeper got plenty of light hearted stick for his baggy tracksuit trousers outfit, with the chant of ‘tracksuit from matalan’ ringing around the Shoreham Kop as United supporters basked in the glory of the club's return to the top-flight after a 12-year exile. Of course the players were still going through the motions on the pitch and midway through the opening period, Blades midfielder Michael Tonge came agonisingly close to breaking the deadlock when he collected Chris Armstrong's short pass and thrashed a dipping 20-yard shot narrowly over the bar. Palace threatened fleetingly on the counter-attack and shortly after the half hour mark, Unsworth was again on hand to block Marco Reich's shot at the far post. Two minutes before the break, Morrison latched on to Ben Watson's perfect through-ball and fired low past Paddy Kenny only to see his effort harshly disallowed for an apparent offside infringement. Phil Jagielka displayed his shooting power after 50 minutes but failed to keep his thunderous 20-yard strike on target as the ball fizzed narrowly over. Three minutes later Danny Webber showed delightful footwork to outfox the Palace defence and pick out the unmarked Keith Gillespie with a teasing cross to the far post. A goal looked a certainty but Gillespie scuffed his attempted volley and the chance went begging. Morrison then headed over from Reich's right-wing cross before one former Palace striker replaced another as Ade Akinbiyi came on for Shipperley after 60 minutes. Dowie made an attacking chance of his own soon after, replacing the ineffective Dougie Freedman with Jon Macken. But United began to up the tempo and Morgan was on hand to head home Gillespie's right-wing cross with nine minutes remaining. However, it was Blades veteran Brian Deane who had the final say, coming on for his farewell appearance in the 84th minute to rapturous applause.

29nd April United manager Neil Warnock has no fresh injury problems to contend with as his side prepare to face Crystal Palace at Bramall Lane. Striker Brian Deane (calf strain) is likely to miss out again along with midfielder Nick Montgomery (knee), but Warnock is expected to resist the temptation of tinkering with his side and should field his strongest available XI tomorrow. Jonathan Forte could feature again after impressing Warnock during last Saturday's 1-1 draw at Luton, with Simon Francis also vying to be involved. Strike duo Neil Shipperley and Danny Webber are battling to be involved and either player could partner Ade Akinbiyi in attack. Crystal Palace secured their top-six spot some time ago and have no new injury worries for the match, although Manager Ian Dowie could opt to rest some of his key players to avoid them being unavailable for the play-offs. Defender Danny Butterfield returned to the starting XI last weekend after being out since October with a pelvic problem and could retain his place in the side.

22nd April Luton Town 1 Sheffield United 1 (Attendance: 10,248)
Line-up: Kenny, Unsworth (Forte 45), Lucketti, Morgan, Gillespie, Armstrong, Tonge, Jagielka, Geary (Short 81), Dyer (Francis 62), Akinbiyi.
Subs Not Used: Shipperley, Webber.
Booked: Dyer 27, Lucketti 85.
Scorer: Tonge 90.
Man of The Match: Chris Armstrong.

Michael Tonge rescued a 1-1 draw for United with an injury-time strike to cancel out Ahmet Brkovic's 72nd-minute effort for Luton. The Blades had already made promotion and second place safe and were only playing to ensure they finished confident ahead of their return to the Premiership next season. Keith Gillespie and Bruce Dyer were brought into the starting squad while Jonathan Forte and Simon Francis were handed bench spots. The Hatters created the first shot on target in the second minute when Brkovic crossed for Dean Morgan whose mis-hit shot was caught by Paddy Kenny. Brkovic had a shot blocked by Chris Lucketti soon after as Luton continued to press while Leon Barnett saw his header saved by Kenny. Dyer was booked in the 26th minute for unsporting behaviour and the Blades striker then sent a left-footed shot into the hands of Marlon Beresford as United belatedly fashioned their first chance of the half. Ade Akinbiyi then saw his close-range effort hacked away by Barnett, who went up the other end of the pitch to force Kenny to parry his header to safety with the final chance of the half. The Blades were given a lucky escape when Chris Morgan brought down Warren Feeney in the box and the referee pointed straight to the spot. Vine stepped up but blasted the ball over the bar. The let-off shook United into life and they started to drag themselves into the game as Tonge and Chris Armstrong both created chances while, just after the hour, Akinbiyi volleyed wide. But it was the Hatters who took the lead when Brkovic headed home his second goal in as many games from a David Bell cross. Feeney's long-range effort soon after was punched clear by Kenny and, withnine minutes remaining, the lively Brkovic crossed into the box for Vine whose shot was caught by the Blades goalkeeper. Luton were unlucky not to go further ahead in the 84th minute when Lucketti fouled Feeney in a dangerous position. Kevin Nicholls fired a free-kick that had Kenny beaten but smashed against the bar and to safety. But they were left to rue that miss in the 90th minute when United hauled themselves level. Steve Howard conceded a free-kick and Tonge stepped up to launch the ball into the bottom corner of the net.

21st April Defender Craig Short is doubtful for United's trip to Luton tomorrow. Midfielder Nick Montgomery wil miss out as he will require a further scan to a knock on the side of his knee once the bruising has subsided. But with automatic promotion assured manager Neil Warnock could make several changes and give fringe players a run-out before the end of the season. Warnock has no other new injury or suspension problems to contend with. Luton hope to have Kevin Foley and Russell Perrett back. The defensive duo missed Easter Monday's win at Plymouth, but could return against the Blades. Left-back Sol Davis hopes to recover from a thigh injury in time to play, but Hatters boss Mike Newell is likely to be without defender Markus Heikkinen and striker Calvin Andrew.

18th April Sheffield United 1 Leeds United 1 (Attendance: 29,329)
Line-up: Kenny, Short, Unsworth, Geary, Lucketti, Jagielka, Kabba (Dyer 82), Montgomery (Armstrong 60), Tonge, Akinbiyi, Webber (Ifill 79).
Subs Not Used: Morgan, Shipperley.
Scorer: Bakke 10 og.
Man of The Match: Nick Montgomery.

The Blades celebrated their promotion into The Premiership with a 1-1 draw at home to Yorkshire rivals Leeds United. An own goal by Eirik Bakke gave the Blades the lead, but a David Healy equaliser just before half time meant both teams would eventually share the points. But the match was overshadowed when Blades boss Neil Warnock was sent off by the Referee after he was unhappy with a shocking tackle. With the Blades already promoted and Leeds guaranteed a play-off spot, there was little riding on the outcome of the match, but such is the rivalry between the Yorkshire sides it was always going to be fiercely contested. Temperatures ran high in just the eighth minutes when a minor scuffle developed in front of the Leeds goal, after Ade Akinbiyi had headed just over the bar from close range. On 10 minutes, Leeds were rocked after an own goal gave the Blades the lead. David Unsworth's right corner caused all sorts of havoc in the box and Bakke, attempting to get there ahead of Akinbiyi, could only head the ball into the net past a despairing Neil Sullivan. Blades striker Steven Kabba forced a fine low save from goalkeeper Sullivan on the half hour and Akinbiyi missed a good chance minutes later as he blazed high and wide when being slipped through on goal. It was an entertaining encounter, but without any clear cut chances. The Blades having the better overall possession; with Phil Jagielka and especially Nick Montgomery impressive in midfield making some crunching tackles. But, with 42 minutes gone, Leeds got themselves back on level terms with a solo goal by Healy. From about 30 yards outside the area the Northern Ireland International evaded Jagielka and Craig Short, and struck a left foot shot form the edge of the box, which flew into the bottom left hand corner with Blades goalkeeper Paddy Kenny well beaten. But the temperature inside the Lane reached boiling point after Leeds right-back Gary Kelly fouled Short and left the Blades defender in agony, manager Neil Warnock complained bitterly about the challenge on the touchline to the fourth official, after Referee Graham Poll amazingly let play continue. Warnock insisted he should have showed the Whites defender a red card for the challenge – Kelly had already been booked earlier. The fourth official attracted the attentions of referee Poll over, and after a short discussion, he sent the Blades boss to the stands to watch the remainder of the game. Needless to say Warnock did not leave for the stands willingly. At the start of the second half Leeds threatened quickly and might have taken the lead. Midfielder Jonathan Douglas missed the glorious chance after work from Bakke and Rob Hulse, hitting the ball wide and over at the Bramall Lane end. Liam Miller was booked soon after and minutes later and Shaun Derry became the fourth Leeds man to go in the referee's notebook for a foul on Short. On the hour Leeds full-back Mark Crainey got a tackle in on Kabba in front of the Shoreham Kop, and the Blades fans were baying for a penalty, and it could easily have been, but Poll arrogantly waved the decision away. United made use of all their substitutions with Chris Armstrong, Paul Ifill and Bruce Dyer replacing Montgomery, Webber and Kabba. On 86 minutes, Ifill played a short ball into the hard working Akinbiyi, who turned and curled a shot just over with Sullivan beaten. It had been enjoyable not to be forgotten night for all Unitedites at the Lane. The result was not so important tonight, it was just a night for celebration and thoughts about what lies ahead next season.

17th April The Blades have no fresh injury or suspension concerns ahead of the visit of Yorkshire rivals Leeds to the Lane tomorrow night. But Neil Warnock may shuffle his pack, meaning Steven 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.

15th April Cardiff City 0 Sheffield United 1 (Attendance: 11,006)
Line-up: Kenny, Kozluk, Short, Morgan, Unsworth, Montgomery, Jagielka, Tonge, Armstrong (Kabba 62), Shipperley (Akinbiyi 45), Webber (Ifill 80).
Subs Not Used: Geary, Lucketti.
Booked: Montgomery 77.
Scorer: Webber 76.
Man of The Match: Chris Morgan.

Sheffield United are promoted to the Premiership. That’s the great news for all Unitedites this weekend, as a goal from Danny Webber gave United a vital victory against Cardiff City. And with Watford and Leeds United only managing to draw their respective matches – it means United will be back in the top Division of English football next season. For most of the game it looked as though the Blades might be forced to wait beyond the Easter weekend to seal a top-flight return after 12 years in exile, but boss Neil Warnock's adventurous substitutions paid dividends. Both sides made only one change to their starting line-ups, Cardiff handing Rhys Weston his first start since January in place of the injured Neal Ardley, and United drafting in Nick Montgomery replacing Paul Ifill in midfield, with Ifill dropping to the bench. Neither side could gain the upper hand early on, Montgomery's looping header from David Unsworth's cross not proving in any way threatening. Montgomery was a useful outlet on the right flank, helping put together the game's best move before hitting his finish straight into the ground. Darren Purse had Cardiff’s first real opportunity from a corner, but the Bluebirds captain failed to connect properly with his header. Cardiff suffered a blow when Boland was forced off injured, Jeff Whitley his replacement. The half appeared to be petering out until, in the final minute, Kevin Cooper was set free by Jason Koumas but blazed over the bar with the goal at his mercy. Both sides made changes at the break, Neil Cox replacing Purse for Cardiff, and United swapping Neil Shipperley for Ade Akinbiyi. The poor finishing continued as Cameron Jerome, who United tried to buy earlier this season, rifled over. Thompson and Koumas looked threatening for Cardiff, and the latter's wicked inswinging cross was well smothered by Paddy Kenny. Cooper continued to be wayward when finishing, while at the other end Webber's header lacked both power and direction. But, although it was a scrappy and nervy affair, United continued to defend resolutely with Chris Morgan and Craig Short both impressing in defence. Chris Armstrong should have hit the target following good hold-up play from Akinbiyi, and it was the midfielder's final contribution before being replaced by Steven Kabba. The front three looked to be having an effect and Webber should have opened the scoring but scooped Kabba's cutback over following a great pass by Rob Kozluk. Webber made amends though. After being put through by Jerome's slack pass, he curled a shot wide of goalkeeper Neil Alexander and into the bottom right corner, to give United a precious lead. Both sides survived handball shouts in the box and Kenny set nerves jangling in stoppage-time when he spilt a catch in the box but United held on for victory and promotion.

13th April The Blades have no new injury or suspension worries and could name an unchanged starting line-up again, but with this match the first of a Easter double-header some players could be rested. Ade Akinbiyi, Nick Montgomery, Keith Gillespie and Chris Lucketti were all unused substitutes last week and are desperate for a piece of the action as Warnock's side close in on automatic promotion. Midfielder Alan Quinn is recovering from a broken bone in his foot and defender Leigh Bromby remains sidelined with cruciate knee ligament damage. If United gain a victory tomorrow and Watford and Leeds fail to win this weekend, the Blades would be Promoted. Bluebirds trio Jason Koumas, Steven Thompson and Neal Ardley are all doubtful with injuries. Paul Parry, Guylain N'Dumbu-N'Sungu and Rhys Weston are set to deputise, while reserve keeper Martyn Margetson has recovered from a hamstring strain.

8th April Sheffield United 3 Hull City 2 (Attendance: 26,324)
Line-up: Kenny, Short, Morgan, Kozluk, Unsworth, Jagielka, Ifill (Kabba 87), Tonge, Armstrong, Shipperley, Webber.
Subs Not Used: Akinbiyi, Montgomery, Gillespie, Lucketti.
Scorers: Shipperley 36, Ifill 52, Unsworth 90.
Man of The Match: Michael Tonge.

A David Unsworth's last-gasp strike ensured the Blades took the points in a vital victory, as United beat Hull City 3-2 at the Lane. The Blades looked to be heading for a comfortable win after Neil Shipperley's first-half strike and Paul Ifill's effort early in the second period. However, Hull boss Peter Taylor brought on Stuart Elliott and Darryl Duffy and the pair made an amazing impact. But Unsworth sent the points United's way after he finally broke goalkeeper Boaz Myhill's resolve to smash the ball home for the winner. The Blades were able to call upon the same starting 11 that drew with Stoke last weekend. The Tigers made two changes to the side that beat Leeds last weekend, Andy Dawson and Billy Paynter returning to the line-up. Hull started strongly and they first threatened after six minutes. A poor clearance from United landed at the feet of Keith Andrews who sent his shot just wide from 25 yards. Unsworth's clinical free-kick soon after was the Blades first effort on goal but Myhill pushed the ball away. Hull had made the brighter start with Craig Fagan causing a real nuisance to a nervous Blades defence. His quick thinking won his side a free kick early on, but a poor ball in from Ellison was easily cleared. United were awarded a free kick in a dangerous position when winger Ifill was brought down on the edge of the box, Unsworth took the kick and forced a good save from Myhill. United should have taken the lead through Phil Jagielka after Hull defender Leon Cort fluffed his attempted clearance from a low cross and the ball fell to the Blades player of the year swept a shot on goal from distance, but Myhill somehow caught the ball between his legs. Moments Later, a cross from Unsworth on the left found Rob Kozluk at on the back post, but his header went wide of goal. Danny Webber went close again in the 35th minute, taking the ball inside Alton Thelwell before firing in a shot from 20 yards, but once again, narrowly wide of the post. A minute later, the Blades deservedly took the lead. Michael Tonge - who had been in superb form conducting proceedings from midfield - crossed from the right and Neil Shipperley got the better of Thelwell to poke the ball home. Myhill was called into action again on 41 minutes, tipping over from Webber. The Tigers keeper then claimed Unsworth's corner. Seven minutes into the second half United scored their second. With his quick feet causing problems, Webber worked himself some space down the left wing to send an inch-perfect cross to Ifill, who beat Dawson in the air to head home past Myhill to make it 2-0. Hull responded by making a double substitution with Stuart Elliott and Darryl Duffy coming on to replace Paynter and Fagan. The Tigers pulled a goal back on 65 minutes. Stuart Green found Thelwell with a quick throw and when the right back crossed, he found Elliott free at the back post and he took a touch before lashing home. After 69 minutes, Hull had justified loud appeals for a penalty turned away. Kenny spilled the ball allowing Green to nip in. The midfielder appeared to be brought down by the keeper, but the referee waved play on. Taylor was furious on the touchline, but four minutes later the Tigers equalised. Green was set free down the right and when he crossed, Duffy beat Kenny to the ball to slide home and make it 2-2. Kenny was injured in the incident and needed lengthy treatment for concussion before the game could restart. With no substitute goalkeeper on the bench, it appeared that Jagielka would have to take over in goal, but to everyone’s relief Kenny bravely declared himself fit to continue. Hull had an opportunity to take the lead in the 75th minute. A lack of communication between Kenny and Chris Morgan saw the latter clear straight to Elliott 30 yards out, but with the goal gaping Elliott headed wide. United had a chance to restore the lead eight minutes from time when a cross from the right found Jagielka at the far post. He nodded back across goal to Webber, but he had to stretch a little too much and headed over. Then, Morgan flicked on and Shipperley's and his header was gathered by the goalkeeper. Hull won a corner in the 86th minute. Green's delivery was too long and when the ball fell to Ellison, he volleyed well over the bar. The situation was getting desperate and with 3 minutes remaining Neil Warnock threw on Steven Kabba as United put the Hull goal under siege. With just over a minute to go, United went close when a low drive from Unsworth rebounded off the post and out for a goal kick. Myhill was then booked for wasting time. The fourth official indicated 5 minutes would be added – even though Kenny had been injured and received treatment for 9 minutes! Kabba had a golden opportunity to win the game after being played in by Shipperley, but Myhill saved but the ball went behind for a corner. The ball was played in and after a massive scramble in the six yard box, Unsworth slid in to put the ball home in front of the Kop for the winner and send the Unitedites into delirious celebrations. A great win for the Blades and with Watford and Leeds only drawing, it means United only need 4 points from 4 remaining games for Promotion.

7th April All Unitedites can play as big a role as the players in helping secure top-flight football by creating a wall of sound tomorrow at the Lane. That was the message from Neil Warnock who wants a noisy and supportive crowd to make the difference. The Blades boss commented. "In the second half at Stoke the fans really got us going, Paddy Kenny made a save in the second half when he pushed the ball onto the post and it was almost as if they were blowing it out. It will be nail-biting stuff right to the end and the fans now are as important as me and the team. There's three home games to go and we'll have a full-house. If we can be as noisy and supportive as we can it will make the difference. We need to forget about players' mistakes, focus on the positives and think about what's at the end of the rainbow."

7th April United have no new injury or suspension worries for the visit of Hull City. The Blades could well be unchanged as they look to take a step closer to the Premiership. Neil Shipperley, Danny Webber, Ade Akinbiyi and Steven Kabba will all be vying for a starting roll up front. Midfielder Keith Gillespie has recovered from a slight knock but is likely to have to settle for a place on the bench. Hull boss Peter Taylor is hoping to name an unchanged side for the Championship trip to the Lane. Left-back Alan Rogers and midfielder John Welsh struggling through illness. Manuel Rui Marques, a Portuguese defender on loan from Leeds will also come back into contention. Nick Barmby (hamstring) remains sidelined along with long-term absentees Steve McPhee, Ben Burgess, Ian Ashbee and Danny Coles. The Tigers attack will be lead by Jon Parkin, known as the 'The Beast' to the Hull fans.

5th April Danny Webber feels the race to gain automatic promotion has now swung firmly back in United's favour with five games remaining. The Blades have the luxury of a seven-point cushion over nearest rivals Watford and Leeds after they slipped to defeats at Crystal Palace and Hull last weekend. Webber, meanwhile, helped earn United a hard-fought draw at Stoke with his first goal in nearly three months to leave the Blades on the brink of a return to the Premiership. Commenting to the Yorkshire Post, he said: "We always believed the momentum would swing back in our direction. I wouldn't say we are on top form as a team, but we are picking up enough points and our performances are gradually getting better. It was about time I scored again and my fitness is getting better so there's no reason why I can't kick on from here."

1st April Stoke City 1 Sheffield United 1 (Attendance: 17,544)
Line-up: Kenny, Kozluk, Morgan, Short, Unsworth, Jagielka, Ifill (Kabba 58), Tonge, Armstrong, Shipperley (Akinbiyi 57), Webber.
Subs Not Used: Montgomery, Gillespie, Lucketti.
Booked: Morgan 18.
Scorer: Webber 83.
Man of The Match: Rob Kozluk

A late equaliser from Danny Webber moved United seven points clear of Watford and Leeds with a hard-earned draw at Stoke City. The Potters led through a soft Josip Skoko goal following a weak punch from Blades goalkeeper Paddy Kenny with a quarter of an hour gone. It may not have been pretty but United pressed forward and eventually they were rewarded with Webber's strike, which could prove crucial at the end of the season. The first exchanges were tense but it was an open game from the very start, with a cross from Chris Armstrong just hit with too much force for Neil Shipperley and Darel Russell firing over for Stoke. The Potters went much closer in the 10th minute when Junior's lobbed diagonal ball was touched past David Unsworth by Carl Hoefkens but the Belgian right-back struck wide of goal. And in the 15th minute, City edged ahead largely thanks to Kenny. The Blades goalkeeper came all the way to edge of the area to punch Clint Hill's long free-kick but only cleared as far as Skoko, who gratefully headed it into an empty net. And United were hanging on and seven minutes later, when striker Mamady Sidibe out-muscled Chris Morgan but blasted well over Kenny's crossbar. However, Paul Ifill did threaten for the Blades when Rob Kozluk's long throw fell to him on the edge of the box but the winger's powerful strike was held by City goalkeeper Steve Simonsen. The action remained frantic but Skoko's strike still separated the teams at the interval. Despite Blades boss Neil Warnock throwing on Ade Akinbiyi and Steven Kabba, United were still struggling to impose themselves on the game. The Potters continued to offer a real threat with Sidibe giving Chris Short and Morgan a torrid time. The Mali striker was a real menace and volleyed wide from a ball from Luke Chadwick and stayed on his feet only to fire into the side-netting following a heavy challenge from Short. Russell also went close for the Potters, just failing to reach a Sidibe lob and then getting involved in an ugly incident with Kenny and Short. Michael Tonge had been at the centre of the Blades best moments and he set up a chance for Webber before firing wide himself at the end of a fine run. With just 10 minutes left, Stoke substitute Lewis Buxton broke down the right and crossed for Skoko, who had his low effort pushed onto the post by Kenny. With Leeds and Watford having already lost prior to this encounter, United desperately wanted to get something from the match - even a point could prove valuable at this stage. As the play went from end to end, Chadwick countered but was robbed by Short, whose long clearance was collected by Webber and he beat two defenders before sliding the ball past Simonsen and send the 4500 Blades fans into raptures of celebrations. Kabba then saw a volley fly just wide as the Blades pressed for a winner but, it was not to be. Not a convincing performance, but it is only the result that matters at this stage of the season and United are just 9 points from promotion back to the Premiership.