Andy Gray converted a last-minute penalty to keep Sheffield United's play-off
dream alive and finally end QPR's faint hopes of a top-six finish.
United rode their luck to keep in touch with the Coca-Cola Championship
leaders with on-loan Danny Webber hitting a brace - his third in as many games
for the Blades - following Martin Rowlands' opener for the Londoners, with Kevin
Gallen firing his 100th career goal.
Webber fired his second goal in successive matches just before half-time to
haul out-of-sorts United level and cancel out Rowlands' 26th-minute strike for
the visitors.
Webber headed a second soon after the break and Gallen punished Chris Morgan's
defensive lapse midway through the second half to level before Gray's last-gasp
spot kick settled it.
Blades fans, full of expectancy following the 4-0 Yorkshire derby romp at
Elland Road, looked on with concern as Rangers made much the brighter start.
Danny Shittu had one early shot blocked by Chris Morgan, while United's only
effort in the opening 25 minutes was a weak header from Liddell following
Webber's cross.
Concern turned to dismay for the Bramall Lane faithful soon after when Georges
Santos slipped the ball to Rowlands on the edge of the penalty area and the
Rangers midfielder's right-footed shot deflected off Jon Harley inside home
goalkeeper Paddy Kenny's near post.
The visitors continued to look the more likely before Andy Gray's header from
Harley's cross was well saved by visiting keeper Simon Royce.
Kevin Gallen went close with a long-range shot for Rangers, while Alan Quinn
fired over the top from 25 yards.
Then Webber single-handedly hauled the Blades level, surging into the penalty
area two minutes before the break and holding off two challenges before firing a
low shot beyond Joyce.
Rowlands limped off soon after and was replaced by Stefan Bailey.
The Blades looked a different side after the restart, Phil Jagielka forcing
Royce into a fine save from 20 yards, the visiting keeper then denying Harley
from close range.
But there was no denying Webber his third goal as his header from six yards
gave United a 2-1 lead in the 53rd minute.
Warnock's side were now in control, but Kevin Gallen pounced to punish a
defensive lapse.
Blades central defender Chris Morgan lost possession in his own penalty area
and Gallen took full advantage to clinically despatch a right-footed shot into
the top corner in the 66th minute.
But United continued to press, Gray forcing Royce into action again with a
header from Harley's cross, before Rangers regained the initiative in the closing
stages, forcing United to hold on.
Shittu went close with a well-struck free-kick and Bailey flashed a
right-footed shot wide, while Webber was denied a hat-trick at the other end
when Royce held his effort from the edge of the area.
Then with one last effort United charged forward. Santos was penalised for his
challenge on Leigh Bromby and from the resulting free-kick referee Lee Probert
penalised Rangers for pushing in the area and pointed to the spot.
Gray stepped forward in the 90th minute to power home the winner to keep
United's play-off dream alive.
Teams:
Sheff Utd Kenny, Kozluk, Morgan, Bromby, Harley,
Liddell (Kabba 75), Jagielka, Montgomery, Quinn, Gray,
Webber (Thirlwell 90).
Subs Not Used: David Johnson, Geary, Barnes.
Goals: Webber 43, 53, Gray 90 pen.
QPR Royce, Bignot, Padula (Cureton 88), Shittu, Davies,
Miller, Rowlands (Bailey 45), Bircham, Cook, Santos, Gallen.
Subs Not Used: Day, Baidoo, Kanyuka.
Sent Off: Davies (90).
Booked: Cook, Santos, Davies, Bignot.
Goals: Rowlands 26, Gallen 66.
Att: 20,426
Ref: L Probert (Gloucestershire).
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