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Swindon Town
League One Playoffs | Semi-Finals
May 11, 2015 at 7.45pm UK
 
Sheffield United logo

5-5

Gladwin (4', 10'), Smith (18', 59' pen.), Obika (84')
FT(HT: 3-2)
Thompson (19' og.), Basham (38'), Davies (65'), Done (88'), Adams (90')

Live Commentary: Swindon Town 5-5 Sheffield United - as it happened

Relive Sports Mole's live commentary of the League One playoff semi-final second leg between Swindon Town and Sheffield United.
2

Swindon Town are into the League One playoff Final after a breathtaking 7-6 aggregate victory over Sheffield United.

The Robins looked to be cruising towards the Wembley showpiece after three early goals put them in command of the tie.

United fought back on several occasions and levelled the second leg at 5-5, with time still left to take the semi-final into extra time.

However, Swindon held on and will face Preston for a place in the Championship.

Relive all the action from an amazing match at the County Ground with Sports Mole's text commentary.


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Good evening! Well, this promises to be an entertaining playoff semi-final second-leg between Swindon Town and Sheffield United at the County Ground. The equation is simple for Swindon. Avoid defeat tonight and they face Preston North End for a place in the Championship.

However, Sheffield United will need to score, if they are stand a chance of making the Wembley shootout. They haven't been able to win in their last six games, but will hope to break that run tonight against the Robins.

Team news from the County Ground will arrive shortly. Will United look to shake up their starting lineup. Could Swindon keep faith with the team that beat the Blades on Thursday...

SWINDON TOWN XI: Foderingham, Stephens, Thompson N, Turnbull, Byrne, Kasim, Luongo, Gladwin, Ricketts, Hylton, Smith

SUBS: Belford, Barthram, Branco, Marshall, Rodgers, Randall, Obika


SHEFFIELD UNITED XI: Howard, Alcock, Harris, Basham, Flynn, Murphy, McNulty, Done, Coutts, McEveley, Freeman

SUBS: Doyle, B. Davies, McGahey, Turner, Adams, S. Davies, Holt


While we wait for confirmation of the Blades' bench, let's have a look at the Swindon lineup. Mark Cooper gave Jermaine Hylton only his second start of the campaign at Bramall Lane, and he has decided to keep faith with the forward for the second-leg. Veteran loanee Sam Ricketts, who scored in Thursday's encounter is also retained, as is Nathan Byrne. It's an unchanged lineup for the Robins!

So that Blades lineup is confirmed in full and, perhaps not surprisingly, Nigel Clough makes three changes after that defeat in the first-leg. In come, Matt Done, Craig Alcock and Marc McNulty. John Brayford is out injured for United, while Jason Holt and Steven Davies drop to the bench.

Clough has opted not include former Everton youngster Jose Baxter, who missed the first game through illness and the Blades will also be without Stefan Scougall in midfield, due to a hamstring injury.

One question for Sheffield United fans is whether this playoff game is one match too far. The Yorkshire outfit, as a result of cup runs, are lining up for their 63rd competitive fixture this season.

The visitors don't have a great record on their travels this season either, nine wins from 23 matches, while Swindon have lost six of their 23 league outings at the County Ground.

However, Swindon may feel that a playoff place is a poor return for a campaign that promised more earlier on. In November, they beat Bristol City to end the Cider Army's unbeaten start to the season and the Wiltshire club were top of the table at one stage, but their push for automatic promotion slipped away as Preston and MK Dons leapfrogged them in the table.

PAST MEETINGS! Robins fans will hope for a repeat of the last encounter between the sides at the County Ground, when Swindon hammered United 5-2. However, a Jamie Murphy double saw the Blades exact revenge with a 2-0 victory at Bramall Lane in January. Murphy does start for the visitors, who need goals again if they are to keep their season alive.

Sheffield United are looking to break a playoff hoodoo. The club has never achieved promotion in seven previous attempts. Indeed, in the four playoff finals they have played in, the Blades are yet to score a goal!

Swindon's playoff record in slightly better than United's with two promotions from seven attempts, which includes a Glenn Hoddle-inspired win at Wembley in 1993 to reach the Premier League.

Now, if you're a fan of Swindon or Sheffield United watching this commentary, a bit of advice would be to avoid punching bits of your own home, as one Ipswich Town fan did after Paul Anderson's equaliser against rivals Norwich City in the Championship Playoff first-leg at Portman Road.



Now away from home improvements, Blades boss Nigel Clough is convinced that being the underdogs could work in United's favour.

"We need one goal, it doesn't matter when it comes. We have gone from being pretty even to them being very, very strong favourites so the pressure is all on them," he told BBC Sport.

"We have to play as we can, if we get half a chance hopefully we can put them away this time."


Meanwhile, Robins manager Mark Cooper says his team are not getting carried away with their first-leg lead.

He told reporters: "There's no hooting and screaming and back-slapping. They know it's half-time.

"We know we have to be really professional because we have a really tough job to do to beat Sheffield United."


It should a great atmosphere inside the County Ground. A few hours ago, Swindon confirmed that their tickets were sold out and you would imagine that United will take up most or all of their away allocation.

PREDICTION! So, with kick-off fast approaching, it is about time I made a prediction. United know they need goals and there is no doubting that they have plenty of firepower at their disposal, but their quest for a comeback could leave them vulnerable. A goal-scoring draw looks a good bet. I've gone for 2-2 and Swindon to sneak through.

The teams emerge onto the pitch at a packed County Ground. Great atmosphere for what should be a dramatic evening.

KICKOFF! Swindon Town get the game underway

Swindon are showing plenty of adventure in the early moments. They look in no mood to invite United to attack them.

Turnball tries a through ball for Smith, but he's put too much on that and Howard gathers comfortably.

GOAL! Swindon 1-0 Sheffield United (Gladwin)

What a start from Swindon and an absolute screamer from Gladwin gives the Robins a priceless lead. Howard had no chance!

CHANCE! United almost scored immediately as Flynn heads towards goal, but his effort drifts over. Seconds earlier, Harris saw his shot blocked by the Swindon back line.

It's the home fans who are in full voice at the moment and their side continue to look for more goals.

SAVE! Byrne, the match-winner from Thursday, is allowed to cut in from the right and get of a shot that Howard gathers low down. Worrying for the Blades how far Byrne ran unchallenged.

GOAL! Swindon 2-0 Sheffield United (Gladwin)

Nigel Clough's face is a picture. United fail to clear and Byrne reacts quickest. His ball from the by line is met by two Swindon attackers. Gladwin gets there first to put the Robins 4-1 up on aggregate. The away side's defence went missing!

CLOSE! Luongo almost gets in on the action for the hosts as he let's fly with a shot. Thankfully the Blades back line wasn't AWOL then!

Replays show how good Gladwin's opener was. The ball drops out of the sky for the midfielder to volley supremely. Excellent finish.

Swindon almost broke free down the right through Byrne, who continues to cause problems for the visitors. United manage to snuff out the danger, though.

SHOT! United's best chance so far as Harris fires narrowly wide of Foderingham's goal.

GOAL! Swindon 3-0 Sheffield United (Smith)

Game over, surely? Smith reacts to a rebound and shrugs off a challenge to fire into the corner of Howard's net. Hard to see a way back for Nigel Clouth, who has his head in his hands.

GOAL! Swindon 3-1 Sheffield United (Thompson o.g.)

It looks to be an own-goal from Thompson as he deflects Murphy's shot past a helpless Foderingham. Is that a lifeline for United? This has been an all-action start at the County Ground.

United still need a miracle as they must score three to level the tie on aggregate. They certainly need to defend better than they have during the opening quarter.

SHOT! I was about to say that United were getting a foot on the ball. Then the ever-dangerous Byrne breaks down the right, but shoots straight at Howard.

Harris is down in a heap as Stephens clatters him with a naughty challenge. No booking, but a Swindon free kick, which comes to nothing.

CHANCE! Luongo works his way into the United box before seeing his shot deflected for a corner. The delivery from the set piece is disappointing.

An interested onlooker in Burton boss Jimmy-Floyd Hasselbaink. The kid in a Swindon kit, sat next to him, looks less than impressed with ex-Chelsea striker sat next to him, it must be said.

One crumb of comfort of the away team is that they are getting an even share of possession, but they do need to convert that clear-cut chances, which have rarer than Dragons eggs so far.

CHANCE! United nearly found that opportunity they have craving for. Basham reaches the ball six yards out after Flynn's cross evades everyone, but his effort is over the bar.

Interestingly, United are still to register a shot on target from six attempts. Their goal came from an effort heading wide before it deflected into the net.

Gladwin tries to fashion space for a cross with some confident trickery before he ends up on his backside and United earn a throw in.

GOAL! Swindon 3-2 Sheffield United (Basham)

Game on! Basham picks a good time to score his first for the Blades. His header from Harris's cross went through the hands of Foderingham. It looks like pace did for the Swindon keeper there.

Suddenly, there is a urgency to United's play and their fans are responding. They win a corner down the right flank and Alcock appeals for a penalty are waved away. Great game so far.

Flynn is down injured and clashing knees with Ricketts, but the United man comes off worse. Will he play on?

Amazingly, there have been no yellow cards so far. It hasn't been a bad-tempered game, but it has had plenty of full-blooded effort in what has been a breathless 45 minutes.

BOOKING! I spoke too soon! McEveley is the first name in the book and it looked a harsh decision.

Three added minutes at the County Ground...

Kasim's free kick was closer to landing in Swindon town centre than it was the back of the net. Woeful effort!

The United manager is still barking out instructions to his midfield. He's not happy about something.

HALF TIME: Swindon Town 3-2 Sheffield United (Agg: 5-3)

Wow! I suggested that this would be a dramatic encounter and it has certainly lived up to that billing. First, Swindon race into a 3-0 lead and look certain to reach Wembley. However, two goals from United have given them and their travelling support hope of a famous comeback. The second half has a lot to live up to!

STATS! I mentioned earlier that the Blades were getting a fair share of the ball. Indeed, they had 52% of possession during the opening 45 minutes. They at least managed two shots on target in the latter part of the first period. Swindon had 11 attempts at goals, hitting the target five times. The Robins have continued to carry a threat.

BENCH WATCH! United have plenty of midfield options on the bench, but they already have a number of attacking players on the pitch! Swindon, on the other hand, may look to shore up their defence. Among their options are youngster Jack Barthram. However, they still have a two-goal cushion and a lead on the night. Mark Cooper might be less likely to make early changes unless there's another goal conceded.

UPDATE! A quick reminder of the score from the Emirates Stadium. Arsenal are currently level against Swansea City. The Gunners named an unchanged lineup for the fifth consecutive game - the first time they've done that since 1994.

The players are back out at the County Ground. Will we see any more goals. Nigel Clough will certainly hope so. Swindon only need to avoid defeat to reach the playoff final against Preston.

KICKOFF! United get us back underway, needing two more goals for what would be an amazing comeback. Strap in! This could be a belter...

Within seconds, Done is penalised for a challenge on Thompson, which the ex-Rochdale forward is unhappy about.

The Blades start the half well. Murphy forces a corner before the visitors get another. Good early pressure!

The visitors earn a third corner in succession before Basham puts his header over the crossbar.

Swindon take an age over a free kick, as they clearly look to run down the clock. As it is, Kasim's set piece comes to nothing. At least he kept this one on the pitch!

CHANCE! What a waste from McNulty! He blasts a shot into the roof of the stand when a square pass looked a better option.

Thompson's game looks to be at an end. He pulls up with a hamstring injury.

SWINDON SUB: Thompson limps away from the pitch. Obika comes on in his place.

Obika is a striker by trade, so expect Ricketts to drop into defence. We could also see Gladwin drop deeper for the Robins.

PENALTY TO SWINDON TOWN!

BOOKING! Howard escapes with a yellow for his challenge on Hylton, but Swindon may exact a bigger punishment of their own soon. Smith is stepping up...

GOAL! Swindon 4-2 Sheffield United (Smith, pen)

Smith's penalty was right in the corner as Howard couldn't get his fingertips to it. Surely too much for United to do now?

SHEFF UTD SUB: United's reaction is bring on Steve Davies for McNulty.

SWINDON SUB: Rodgers comes on in place of Hylton, who I think may have injured his collar bone. A wise move for the Robins with a three-goal aggregate lead.

SAVE! Obika almost got in on the act, but his shot was comfortably saved by Howard.

GOAL! Swindon 4-3 Sheffield United (Davies)

A bullet of a header from Davies, fresh off the bench and United again have hope. Great cross from Harris to set up the goal. Not a comeback, surely?

BOOKING! Coutts is the second United man in the book for a rash challenge on Byrne. He can have no complaints.

This game has not relented since the break. I wouldn't bet against more goals before the night is out. Meanwhile, Clough is having a go at McEveley after he delivers a poor cross.

Tony Pulis is another interested spectator at the County Ground, but he's had enough and heads for the exit. Maybe he was scouting a defender? Let's face it, this hasn't been a good night for centre halves and full backs!

Harris delivers another good cross from a free kick. However, no one attacks the ball and Foderingham is allowed to gather with ease.

At the other end, Harris is angry that Keith Hill has awarded a free kick on the edge of the United area. He feels that Byrne goes to ground easily. Kasim hits the wall with another set piece (rather than hitting the M4 as he did earlier). Swindon are building pressure and eating up time.

BOOKING! Rodgers takes time-wasting too far and picks up a needless yellow card for kicking the ball away. The first Swindon player in the book.

Done is still showing plenty of energy in advanced areas for United. His puts in a good cross that is headed away for a corner.

The Blades haven't given up on this game, but Swindon are marshalling this well. 10 minutes left...

BOOKING! Adcock also goes into the referee's notebook for a late challenge. The fourth of the Blades team to earn a yellow card.

GOAL! Swindon 5-3 Sheffield United (Obika)

'Glad all over' rings out at the County Ground as a Swindon counter see Luongo find Obika. The substitute manages to cut inside and slot past Howard. Game over and Swindon heading to Wembley!

BOOKING! Obika is the second Swindon player booked for his celebration after scoring. I somehow think he won't care (unless he's booked again and misses the final).

SHEFF UTD SUB: Adams has snuck on in place of Flynn.

GOAL! Swindon 5-4 Sheffield United (Done)

United get a fourth goal after a couple of minutes of pressure. Done fires home, but perhaps a little too late.

GOAL! Swindon 5-5 Sheffield United (Adams)

Hold on a second! Adams fires into the corner of Foderingham's net. United only need one goal. They also have seven minutes of added time to find a sixth!

Swindon still lead 7-6 on aggregate (yes, that is correct), but the Blades are still pushing for a route back into the tie. No away goals here, so United would force extra time with another goal.

Adams is pulled up for a foul, just as he fires the ball into the net. Faint cheers from the United section of supporters before they realise it won't count.

SWINDON SUB: Gladwin leaves to a great reception, to be replaced by Branco.

Basham is remonstrating with the referee for not giving a penalty area as the ball drifts out for a Swindon goal kick.

BOOKING! Kasim is yellow-carded for giving too much lip to the referee. He thinks Swindon should have had a free kick earlier in play.

Time is running out as Swindon earn a throw deep in United territory.

BOOKING! Now Byrne goes in the book for cynical tackle on Coutts.

FULL TIME: Swindon Town 5-5 Sheffield United (Agg 7-6)

I've just about got my breath back. Five goals apiece and the game was still on the knife-edge in the dying moments. One the best playoff games I can remember. Stunning!

Swindon fans swamp the pitch in delight. They will face Preston in the League One Playoff Final on May 24. A spot in the Championship awaits the winner.

I'm surprised the injured Harry Toffolo has any energy left after watching that game to tweet...



Even Glenn Hoddle is delighted as his old club's achievement...



Spare a thought for Sheffield United. Their hoodoo in playoff football goes on. They have never achieved promotion via this route in eight attempts, but they have played their part in a spectacular match.

Unfortunately, that is where Sports Mole's live commentary come to an end. We will have live coverage of the League One Final on May 24. Our commentary of the Wembley showpiece starts at 4.30pm. Until then, good night!

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Nathan Byrne of Swindon Town celebrates scoring the winning goal during the Sky Bet Championship semi final match first leg match between Sheffield United and Swindon Town at Bramall Lane on May 7, 2015
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