Battling Blades on brink of play-offs

SHEFFIELD UNITED took a major step towards the play-offs last night as they came from behind to win at QPR. Charlie Austin’s first-half header gave Rangers the lead in Mark Warburton’s last home game in charge. But Iliman ndiaye equalised after the break, Jack Robinson put the Blades in front in the 73rd minute and Conor Hourihane added a third in stoppage time. their win means United are five points clear of Middlesbrough in seventh, although Boro have a game in hand. the hosts scored with their first effort on goal, Austin meeting Albert Adomah’s lofted cross. ndiaye seized on QPR’s failure to deal with a corner then defender Robinson punished his former club further, powering in a header after a clever free-kick routine. Hourihane rifled in to make it 3-1 late on. ‘We were fantastic in the second half,’ said Blades boss Paul Heckingbottom.