Neil Steers Shipp To Victory

Last updated : 30 April 2006 By @blades_mad1889

It was club captain Chris Morgan's header nine minutes from time that sounded the Blades return to the Premiership after 12 long years of waiting.

Celebration to the Premier League had begun a long time ago, against Leeds United on 18 April but continued the festivities at Luton and again against Crystal Palace in the last game of the season at Bramall Lane.

With United already in the knowledge that they will play top flight football next season, and the Eagles knowing their fate, a play-off contention against either Preston or Watford the game wasn't as such a classic encounter but more of an exhibition match in front of a packed 27,000 crowed. Still this didn't stop the fans creating an atmosphere with four Mexican waves taking place throughout.

Onto the field of play the Blades strolled around with ease though create few chances in the first half, as did Palace but found plays difficult to spot when Jobi McAnuff crossed from the left whilst Unsworth drifted in a free-kick but Shipperley failed to hit the target. Meanwhile Michael Tonge shot over from 20 yards out.

At the other end Clinton Morrison saw his shot blocked before he embarrassed himself by miss kicking the ball in front of goal but saw his blushes saved when the linesman waved offside.

In the 43rd minute, just two minutes away from half-time the same linesman prevented the Eagles from taking the lead, Watson proved a clever pass through the United defence where Morrison latched on to shoot past Kenny in front of the Shoreham St. Kop, the official ruled offside.

Half-Time: Sheffield United 0-0 Crystal Palace

The Blades begun the second half the brighter, Phil Jagielka hit a first time volley over the bar after a run from Craig Short and some magic from David Unsworth but Danny Webber gave the ball to the keeper, Gabor Kiray.

On 53 minutes Webber's run outfoxed Ward but his cross forced Gillespie to overstretch and Palace's first effort of the half saw Morrison head over Reich's cross.

Just before the hour mark captain for the day Shipperley was withdrawn. He received a glowing reception from the Blades fans - and a handshake from Palace boss Dowie - before being replaced by another Palace old boy, Akinbiyi.

Two Gillespie crosses in the space of three minutes caused Palace more problems. His first effort was not dealt with by Kiraly and Tonge's 20-yard shot was just wide and then a nonchalant flick with the outside of the boot was just too high for Akinbiyi.

Short, of course retiring at the end of the season, also received a rapturous reception when he was withdrawn on 76 minutes but it was his central defensive partner that took the plaudits soon after.

With 81 minutes gone Tonge and Gillespie worked a quick corner with the latter delivering perfectly for MORGAN to beat Kiraly with a powerful header in front of the Kop.

Blades legend Deane, although not fully fit, was permitted a swansong at the Lane, coming on for the final six minutes but it was Webber who worked the last chance of the season before firing into the Kop.

The final whistle signalled that Kenny and Jagielka had played every minute of every league game this season and then the celebrations began.

Full-Time: Sheffield United 1-0 Crystal Palace