City running out of puff as Blades surge on

THE Sheffield half-marathon, a 13-mile test of physical and mental strength which yesterday snaked it way past Bramall Lane, provided the perfect metaphor to sum up the contrasting ways these two sides are ending the season.

Having long since hit the wall, Bristol City finally staggered over the line into the play-offs.

For their part, Sheffield United are striding effortlessly towards the finish, although they might have left their kick for the tape just a little too late.

Their hopes of automatic promotion scuppered by a clear inability over the last six weeks to deal with the pressure, City, who topped the Championship in March, at least have the consolation of the play-offs.

One win in 10 games tells its own story but amid the inevitable thoughts of what might have been, perspective is required. City’s previous defeat here nine years ago saw them relegated to League One, so when a similar result brings with it a chance to play-off for a place in the Premier League, disappointment is tempered with a sense of achievement.

“To get into the play-offs is a massive relief and the players deserve it,” Gary Johnson, the City manager, insisted. “It’s not what happens over two months, it’s what’s gone on for 45 games.”

United could yet join them in the end of season lottery. In a breathless encounter, Gary Speed followed up his first-half header with a cool spot kick awarded for handball by Michael McIndoe, whose penalty had broken the deadlock after Ugo Ehiogu’s foul on Dele Adebola.

Victory at Southampton on Sunday is the bare minimum for Kevin Blackwell’s side, but that combined with favourable results will cap a remarkable rise.

“We were four points off relegation eight weeks ago and no one gave us a sniff,” the temporary manager said.

The arrival two months ago of Blackwell, who is not contracted beyond the end of the season and who yesterday held talks on his future with PLC chairman Kevin McCabe, has proved the catalyst for an impressive run of 25 points from the last 30. It is a transformation which could have unforeseen consequences for the players Blackwell has clearly inspired more effectively than his predecessor, Bryan Robson. “I’m not sure if any of the lads have already booked holidays for the end of the season,” Michael Tonge, the midfielder said. “They might have to think about cancelling them.”

SHEFFIELD UNITED (4-4-2): Kenny 7, Halls 7, Ehiogu 4 (Martin 25, 6; Geary 46, 6), Kilgallon 7, Naysmith 6, Cotterill 6, Tonge 6, Speed 8, Quinn 7, Beattie 3 (Hulse 3, 7), Sharp 7.

Subs Not Used: Stead, Gillespie.

BRISTOL CITY (4-4-2): Basso 7, Orr 7, Carey 6, McCombe 7, McAllister 7, Noble 6, Elliott 6 (Showunmi 75, 5), Carle 7, McIndoe 7, Trundle 5, Adebola 6.

Subs Not Used: Fontaine, Skuse, Weale, Sproule.

REFEREE: Mark Halse (Lancashire) 7: Well placed to give both penalties.

MATCH RATING: **** A full house received value for money.