Sheffield beat QPR, maintain Championship play-off push

LONDON: Sheffield United came from behind to win 3-1 at Queens Park Rangers (QPR) on Friday as they ensured their bid for a Championship play-off place will remain alive going into the final day of the regular season.

In what was Mark Warburton’s last home game as QPR manager, the west London side went ahead in this English second tier fixture through Charlie Austin’s header from Albert Adomah’s cross in the 31st minute.

The sixth-placed Blades, however, were a transformed team ater half-time and went close to an equaliser on several occasions before Iliman Ndiaye levelled from close-range.

Sheffield United, relegated from the Premier League last season, continued to dominate and went ahead when former QPR defender Jack Robinson headed in powerfully from a well-worked free-kick.

Blades substitute Conor Hourihane put the result beyond doubt by volleying in the visitors’ third goal in stoppage time.

Only the top two at the end of the regular season are guaranteed automatic promotion to the lucrative Premier League, with Championship leaders Fulham already assured of a place in English football’s top-flight.

The third and final promotion place will be decided by a series of play-off matches between the four teams finishing third to sixth.

Sheffield United have been linked with a move for Oxford United’s Cameron Brannagan.

The 25-year-old has had a brilliant season with the Us this season scoring 14 goals and providing three assists in 40 League One appearances.

“The crowd have been fantastic. It’s very gratefully received and never taken for granted. For three years they’ve been outstanding. The support they’ve given us has been first class throughout and I can only speak with the highest praise for QPR fans, QPR boss Mark Warburton said.

Sheffield United’s victory has let them five points clear of Middlesbrough, although their Yorkshire rivals have a game in hand. The Blades finish the regular season at home to Fulham on May 7.