Sheffield United 1-0 Stevenage

By Joe Fish, Reporter | 14 May 2012

Chris Porter's late header earns Sheffield United a 1-0 victory over Stevenage in the League One playoff semi-finals at Bramhall Lane tonight.

Chris Porter's late header earned Sheffield United a 1-0 victory over Stevenage in the League One playoff semi-finals at Bramhall Lane tonight.

The two sides played out a stalemate in the first leg at Stevenage's Broadhall Way on Friday and the tie looked destined for extra time following 84 more minutes of goalless action.

However, Porter stepped up to head in Matt Lowton's inviting cross six minutes from time as United moved closer to a return to the Championship.

Hosts' striker Porter had the best chance of a first half that offered little in terms of goalmouth action, but his header was pushed away by Stevenage keeper Chris Day.

The second period was a more open affair, with Lee Williamson going close for Danny Wilson's side as his effort went narrowly wide.

Stevenage had rarely threatened throughout the tie but pushed forward in search of a winner as Scott Laird forced Steve Simonsen into a fine save with a well-struck half volley.

At the other end, an equally impressive 35-yard strike from Matt Hill grazed the post on its way past Day's goal, but moments later United had netted the winner.

Lowton broke down the right-hand side from full-back and delivered a measured ball into the visitor's area, which Porter headed home to set up a Wembley date with either Huddersfield Town or MK Dons.