Sheffield United were today relegated from the Coca-Cola Championship after a 2-2 draw with Barnsley, and results elsewhere.
The Blades, who fought from 1-0 down to 2-1 ahead, saw Danny Haynes head home a late equaliser to guarantee the relegation to the third division.
Harry Maguire returned to the heart of the defence whilst fellow academy player Jordan Slew started up front alongside Darius Henderson. Stephen Quinn was awarded the supporters player of the year award before the game and began on the left-hand side of midfield.
It was a former Blades academy player who had the first chance of the game however; Jacob Mellis danced through the Blades defence before firing his effort high into the Kop. Let`s hope the bigwigs from Chelsea weren`t watching that.
Soon though, teammate Danny Haynes did was given the freedom of the Blades half of the pitch when Maguire slipped, and kept his composure to slot past Steve Simonsen in the Blades goal.
The Blades kept their heads and rather than throwing things at Henderson, United continued their measured build-up which finally proved successful shortly before half-time with Matt Lowton heading home Lee Williamson`s cross from the left. Bramall Lane erupted, and with news that Crystal Palace were behind, there was a crumb of hope in the air.
After half-time the Blades continued to have the lion`s share of play and for the second time in the space of a week, Lee Williamson found some luck for the side. Last week he saw a goal off his back-side, this time his volley from 25 yards seemed comfortable for goalkeeper Luke Steele, but the ball squirmed between the legs and into the back of the net, lifting the roof off Bramall Lane.
Credit to the visiting supporters, they continued making noise in the Bramall Lane end and thought they were level when Trippier`s free-kick was destined for the top corner, but for a fine save by Simonsen. He was eventually beaten with minutes to go when Haynes scored his second of the game, heading in from a left-wing cross.The game had become stretched, and United were once again hit on the break.
Ched Evans was withdrawn with a suspected broken ankle as five minutes of stoppage time were added, and despite plenty of huff and puff, they couldn`t blow the Barnsley defence down, with Jason Shackell putting in a fine performance.
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