Sheffield United v Burnley

The Blades suffered their third Play-off Final defeat this time at the hands of Burnley. United, who lost this fixture back in 1997 against Crystal Palace and again against Wolves in 2003, must pick themselves up again following another big match day defeat as the club missed the opportunity of claiming a place back in the Premier League. However, than manner of the defeat was the most disappointing as Kevin Blackwell’s team created few chances and it was the Lancashire side that looked most likely to extend their lead after Wade Elliot had put the Clarets ahead early on.

United started brightly and both Kyle Walker and Brian Howard produced shots on target which Burnley ‘keeper Jensen collected easily. Despite United’s early pressure it was Owen Coyle’s team that went ahead on 13 minutes when Wade Elliot made a surging run from the Blades half. Wade then tried to feed McCann but Kilgallon half cleared into the path of an unmarked Elliot who curled a drive from twenty yards which beat Kenny and found the top corner of United’s goal.

Burnley twice came close to extending their lead first when Paterson's curling effort missed an upright by less than a yard and then veteran striker Robbie Blake headed wide when Kenny looked beaten. The Clarets continued to threaten after the interval when Joey Gudjonsson missed a sitter from close range when his volley was some how cleared off the line by Montgomery.

United appeared to stir late on but failed to create little in the way of clear cut chances. Early in the first half Brain Howard had a penalty claim turned down and then late on Kyle Walker surged into the Burnley box and appeared to be forearmed in the neck by Kalvenes. Despite the youngster’s appeal for a spot kick referee Mike Dean waved away United’s second penalty claim of the day.

Burnley overall were the better side and deserved the victory on the day and for United it’s another disappointment as we look to another season in the Championship. The loss of Premier League parachute funds for next season and now with the presence of Newcastle and Middlesbrough in the Championship it could be a harder challenge for the club in season 2009-10.

Blackwell Interview: Play-Off Final

Burnley: Jensen, Duff, Carlisle, Caldwell, Kalvenes, Elliott, Alexander, McCann (Gudjonsson 27), Blake (Eagles 69), Thompson (Rodriguez 73), Paterson.
Subs Not Used: Penny, McDonald.

Booked: Carlisle, Kalvenes.

Goals: Elliott 13.

Sheff Utd: Kenny, Walker, Morgan, Kilgallon, Naughton, Montgomery, Howard (Lupoli 82), Cotterill (Ward 58), Stephen Quinn (Hendrie 85), Halford, Beattie.
Subs Not Used: Bennett, Bromby.

Sent Off: Ward (80).

Booked: Ward, Lupoli.

Att: 80,518

Ref: Mike Dean (Wirral).