An injury-time goal by substitute Traianos Dellas completed a remarkable comeback by Sheffield United at Prenton Park.

Tranmere completely dominated the first hour and looked to be cruising with a two-goal lead.

Clint Hill headed home in the 10th minute from a free kick by Kenny Irons.

Then three minutes before half-time Alan Mahon netted with an angled shot after Irons' effort had been deflected into his path

United boss Steve Bruce gambled by putting on Dellas in an unfamiliar attacking role and he was rewarded with two goals in as many minutes.

Lee Morris netted on 67 minutes after home keeper John Achterberg could not hold onto an effort by Jonathan Hunt.

A minute later Achterberg could only push out a cross by Paul Devlin and Dellas neatly controlled the ball and turned to rocket home a shot into the roof of the net.

Tranmere went close with two terrific efforts by midfield star Mahon but Simon Tracey in the United goal produced two sensational saves.

It was frenzied stuff in the dying moments. A draw looked certain when in the third minute of injury time Morris hit the bar for United and from the rebound a delighted Dellas headed in the winner.

It was a fifth success on tour for Sheffield and kept alive their play-off hopes.

But United collected cautions for impressive new man Rob Kozluk, Wayne Quinn, Hunt and Devlin. Tranmere's Mahon was also shown the yellow card.

Teams:

Tranmere: Achterberg, Allen, Thompson, McGreal, Hill, Irons, Mahon, Santos, Parkinson, Taylor (Kelly 81), Koumas (Jones 60).

Subs Not Used: Challinor.

Booked: Mahon.

Goals: Hill 10, Mahon 42.

Sheff Utd: Tracey, Kozluk, Quinn, Woodhouse, Jacobsen, Sandford, Morris, Hamilton, Hunt, Devlin, Ford (Dellas 57).

Subs Not Used: Nilsen, Cullen.

Booked: Kozluk, Quinn, Devlin, Hunt.

Goals: Morris 67, Dellas 68, 90.

Att: 6,588

Ref: S Mathieson (Stockport).