Blades UP After Play-Off Win!

Last updated : 09 May 2013 By @blades_mad1889

After a hard fought season the Blades, (or rather the Cutlers as they were known then) had finished second in the old Second Division of the Football League, with no automatic slots available the top three teams would face a one-off play-off fixture on neutral territory against the bottom three teams in Division One.

Small Heath (now Birmingham City), Sheffield United and now defunct Darwen had done enough to earn a spot in the Play-Offs, whilst Nott’s County, Accrington and Newton Heath (now Manchester United) had fallen foul in the top flight – but were to be given another opportunity to retain there top flight status.

The day of the game was met with beautiful weather to match the occasion with an estimated 2,000 spectators gathered to witness this match of two teams battling for top flight status. A fast game took place between the two eager sides, Accrington were advantaged with wind at their backs but faced glaring sunshine which made visibility difficult.

Both teams were considered as strong as each other at offered little surprise that the half-time came with the scores level with no goals and neither side mustering chances to note of, the heat was unbearable but both teams put up a brave challenge.

A change of ends gave United the advantage of wind power and ten minutes after the re-start Drummond was rewarded with a fine goal. Desperate attempts later on were made by Accrington to score a point but to no avail with the Blades splendid defence doing enough to see them through and a close match ended in victory for the Sheffield side.

The Cutlers won their match with Accrington and were rewarded with promotion to Division One at the first time of asking. Darwen too were promoted after they won their match (3-2) against Nott’s County in Ardwick, Manchester but Newton Heath became the first club to retain their status via a play-off match who, after a 1-1 draw in Stoke beat Small Heath by five goals to two at Bramall Lane.