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A 1:0 score-line probably gives the impression that Kevin Blackwell's side scraped through, but that wasn't the case as United had plenty of chances and the score-line could have ended up considerably higher. David Cotterill's 1st half penalty secured the success over the Swans, who's play-off aspirations came to an unfortunate end. Kevin Blackwell was controversially sent to the stands and spent a few minutes sat with the fans, but later rushed off when United were awarded the penalty. Also, Jamie Ward had a goal ruled out for offside.
Three changes were made to the side which went down to a 1:0 defeat at Burnley. John-Joe O'Toole, Craig Beattie and Gary Naysmith all dropped out with David Cotterill, Jamie Ward and youngster Kyle Walker all coming in. Kyle Naughton played the game at left-back with Walker at right. Former Blade Nathan Dyer began for the Swans.
Jamie Ward had the first opportunity of the encounter and had no choice but to shoot with his fellow team-mates limited around him - the pintsize figure's shot was saved by De Vries.
Pratley's hammer was cleared while Jordi Gomez's free-kick whizzed past the post. Jamie Ward despatched Matt Kilgallon's ball into the back of the net but it he was offside.
Greg Halford looked to have been nudged to the ground in an off-the-ball-incident for the second home game running but the referee didn't spot the incident.
Gaffer Kevin Blackwell was involved with two conversations with the referee, and the second time he was asked to leave the dugout. Blackwell was clearly wound up when Matt Kilagllon received a yellow card for some unknown reason. The manager went and sat with the fans in the Valad Stand for just five minutes but soon skipped away when Stephen Quinn was brought down in the area and a penalty was awarded.
Jamie Ward who threatened City's goal on two occasions so far in the game, dispatched the ball to Stephen Quinn and he was hauled down by Garry Monk in the area. Referee Rob Styles, who hasn't had a good rapport with the Blades fans in the past, pointed to the spot. David Cotterill stepped up to the spot for the fourth time this season and slotted past a Welsh side for the second time this campaign from 12 yards.
Darius Henderson and Paddy Kenny had looked to have got into a mess with each other on their own bar-line, but the ball was hurriedly cleared. Half-time approached with no managers making a change.
Chris Morgan was involved in the thick of things almost straight away after the restart. He picked up a knock but didn't want treatment and then soon after the fans were appealing for a penalty against the former Tyke for an alleged foul on Pratley.
Jamie Ward had help to his left when the ball fell to him, but he attempted a chip but the ball flew over.
De Vries then pulled off two world class saved. Darius Henderson's clever header at the near post was parried away, and then Chris Morgan's thump was punched away by the Dutchman.
Gomez blasted over and soon at the other end, Ward tried his second lob in a matter of ten minutes. A similar effort this time struck the crossbar, but had the same result and went over.
Danny Webber returned into action after a short lay-off, he came on for the impressive Jamie Ward. Scotland powerfully curled the ball over Kenny's crossbar, who had a relatively quiet game. Another United change soon occurred when Greg Halford departed for John-Joe O'Toole.
Henderson nodded wide and then Danny Webber perhaps should have tucked away two glorious opportunities. Scotland had the last throw of the dice for Swansea, but another substitution for the Blades halted play in the three added minutes indicated. Arturo Lupoli made yet another substitute appearance, although a brief one when the referee soon brought play to an end.
The players contributed to a lap of honour along with their manager Kevin Blackwell. Sundrenched Bramall Lane hopefully saw it's last game this season, which would of course mean the Blades go up automatically. Birmingham's loss to Preston has given United a big boost to go and collect the spoils at Selhurst Park next Sunday - what a tense afternoon we anticipate. The final score from Bramall Lane is, Sheffield United 1:0 Swansea City.