All the hard efforts of a long season seemed to be blown away in the first 45 minutes of United's play-off final against Wolves at the Millenium Stadium. The Blades defence failed to cope as Wolves dominated the first period. Goals from Mark Kennedy (6 minutes) and from former Blade Nathan Blake (22 minutes) put the black and golds into poll position but the killer third goal from Kenny Miller just before the interval seemed to seal The Blades fate.

At the start of the second half Neil Warnock substituted Mark Rankine with a straight swap for McCall who took his place in centre midfield. McCall's vision and control in the engine room of The Blades team has been a huge influence during the course of the season. McCall's presence seemed to make a difference early in the second half.

Within barely three minutes of the restart United were given a lifeline when Wolves right back Paul Butler was adjudged to have handled inside the box. Michael Brown stepped up to take the spot-kick and placed the ball to the Wolves keeper's left. Murray saved pushing the ball to advancing Kabba who followed in and blazed over the top.

It was absolute despair for Blades fans in the stadium. At 3-1 down United could have forced their way back into the match, particularly with United's record this season for making comebacks, however now, not even the most optimistic Blades fan could see United turning this game around.

Later when a Michael Tonge free kick was touched on to a post by Murray and Page could not redirect the rebound on target it seemed that it just wasn't United's day.

Overall in the game, United seemed to have a lot of possession but they defended naively in the first half. It was the Wolves keeper Matthew Murrey who was named as man-of-the-match so perhaps The Blades can take some credit.

But at the end of a marathon season it is a huge disappointment that there is little to show from all the hard work put in by everyone involved in the club and to all the fans who have enjoyed a memorable year.

As Wolves look forward to the new season in the Premiership, United will looked to hang on to many of their key players, however with the financial constraints within the club, should a top-flight club come in for the likes of Brown or Tonge, a big offer could be difficult to resist.