Seven points gained from their last three fixtures had put United in good stead in achieving what would prove to be a miracle. Prior to the victory over Walsall, the Blades were placed with odds (via SkyBet) at 14/1 to Finnish inside the top six and 40/1 to win promotion. Any opportunity of reaching the Play-Offs would require United bettering results against their rivals.
A Tuesday night trip to Shrewsbury resulted in a further three points, though they were given an early scare when a penalty was conceded, but Long stood firm to keep out the resulting kick. United went into a two goal lead before the hosts pulled one back.
That victory left United 9th in the league and four points behind Gillingham in 6th spot with a visit of Barnsley next on the calendar. A 0-0 draw was the final outcome. Prior to United's goal-less draw with the Tykes, they had gone throughout April unbeaten having racked up three wins and a draw since losing 3-1 at Southend United on 30th March. The scenario at that time left the S2 club required to win both of their remaining fixtures and praying that either; Barnsley (v Colchester United), Gillingham (at Burton Albion) or Scunthorpe United (v Port Vale) failed to gain maximum points from their respected fixtures in the forthcoming weekend.
A defeat for Coventry the previous weekend had seen their chances of reaching the top six cruelly swept away and that punishment was carried out on Sheffield United. City stormed into a two-nil lead at the Ricoh Arena as a non-existent United failed to apply any pressure in the first half. They pulled one back through Billy Sharp for his 21st goal of the season but a late rally from the Sky Blues added a third, ending any play-off dream.
Shrewsbury Town 1-2 Sheffield United
Tuesday, 19th April 2016 - League One
Sheffield United kept alive their slim play-off challenge with a 2-1 win at lowly Shrewsbury. The hosts squandered an early chance to move ahead when they were awarded a seventh-minute penalty after United defender Jay McEveley handled Sullay Kaikai's cross. Kyle Vassell took the spot-kick but his effort was comfortably saved by goalkeeper George Long. United then added to Shrewsbury's frustration by moving ahead in the 19th minute thanks to Billy Sharp's 20th goal of the season.
Ryan Flynn slipped a pass through to Sharp and he fired low to the corner of the net past Jayson Leutwiler from just inside the penalty area. Sharp had earlier drilled just off target after exchanging passes with strike partner Che Adams. Shrewsbury, who are just two points clear of the relegation zone, pressed for an equaliser and Jean-Louis Akpa Akpro's shot was well kept out by Long before skipper Nat Knight-Percival's header was hacked to safety.
The home side finally pulled level nine minutes into the second half when midfielder Abu Ogogo turned in Kaikai's low cross from the right from 10 yards. But United, who sit four points outside the play-off places, claimed maximum points in the 66th minute when Adams fired in a low angled drive from the edge of the area.
Sheffield United 0-0 Barnsley
Saturday, 23rd April 2016 - League One
Sheffield United and Barnsley played out a goalless draw in a fiercely contested South Yorkshire derby at Bramall Lane. The Blades remain unbeaten in April while Barnsley made it four games without defeat. Barnsley created the first clear-cut opportunity when Ashley Fletcher's pass into the box found Adam Hammill, whose shot was parried by United keeper George Long before it was cleared.
United came close in the 24th minute when a strong run by Ryan Flynn created an opening for Che Adams, whose powerful shot from the edge of the box was tipped onto the post by visiting keeper Adam Davies. Flynn chased down the rebound but his effort was deflected for a corner.
Fletcher then had a 'goal' disallowed after he had fouled Flynn in the build-up. Flynn had got himself into trouble, running into his own box before going to ground under pressure from the on-loan striker. Alex Baptiste's looping delivery into the box late on was met by Billy Sharp, but his header was easily caught by Davies as the points were shared.
Coventry City 3-1 Sheffield United
Saturday, 30th April 2016 - League One
Picture: Coventry City's Ruben Lameiras scores his sides third goal of the match.
Marc-Antoine Fortune's fortuitous goal helped Coventry end their home campaign with a 3-1 win over Sheffield United. The big striker set the Sky Blues on their way in only the fourth minute - but he knew precious little about it. Adam Armstrong made yards into the Sheffield half but when he let fly, the ball hit Fortune on his backside and deflected in past George Long.
There was nothing lucky about Coventry's second just three minutes later. Youngster George Thomas played a superbly threaded pass through to Andy Rose who lifted it into the net. United, who had started the day with an outside chance of a play-off place, seemed to know that had all but disappeared and made little impression. Things livened up in the 58th minute when Aaron Martin tripped Billy Sharp, who duly converted the penalty, but sub Ruben Lameiras made certain for the home side three minutes from time.