Iain Dowie's side may well have gone into this match knowing that the play off place was guaranteed but with another mini season just around the corner it was a game of high importance. It was the final chance for players to stake a claim for a place in those play offs whilst it was also a chance for the side to go into them on the back of four unbeaten matches.

Promoted United took the field infront of a capacity home crowd and included two former Palace players, Neil Shipperley and Ade Akinbiyi, in their sixteen as the visitors looked to spoil the party.

A quite start to the game meant it was not until the 15th minute before either 'keeper was called into action. David Unsworth's free kick from just outside the box found Shipperley but his downward header was saved by Gabor Kiraly at the second attempt.

Palace have tried to make an impact into the game but their final ball letting them down although the pace of Jobi McAnuff has nearly opened the door of the Blades defence on more than one occasion.

On 23 minutes United came close to breaking the deadlock as Michael Tonge saw his shot from the edge of the box go just over the bar after some good work on the wing by Chris Armstrong as he created the chance following a good run and pass. 

The first corner for the visitors came on 32 minutes as Marco Reich's shot was cleared behind after Clinton Morrison's attempted shot on goal was scrambled to safety after some more good work on the wing by McAnuff.  

It was long before the contingent of Palace fans were able to see their sides first shot on goal. McAnuff broke clear and found Morrison who decided to shoot but it was easily saved by Paddy Kenny.

Just before the break it looked like the deadlock had been broken but Morrison was adjudged to be in an offside position when he collected Ben Watson's through ball as the officials decision went in the home sides favour.  

The second half got off to a brighter start than the first with both sides looking for the advantage. In the opening minute Tom Soares broke down the left and played a fine cross for Morrison who found Reich but the wingers shot was blocked. At the other end Phil Jagielka was in space but shot over from distance while Webber should have done better when he shot straight at Kiraly.

On 53 minutes a great chance fell to Keith Gillespie when unmarked but he couldn't connect with the pass from Webber as it came across the face of the goal.

Dowie introduced Danny Butterfield for Fitz Hall as the chase for play off selection continued in a game where both sides were struggling to beat the deadlock.  Just before the hour Morrison connected well with a cross from Reich but his header didn't trouble Kenny as it went just inches over the bar.

It was Palace who had the next and probably even better chance to trouble the scorers. McAnuff had time to collect the cross but his shot went over the bar from close range.

Palace were having the better of the second half as far as clear cut chances although Michael Tonge went close on 70 minutes and substitute Akinbiyi headed wide from close range.

The deadlock was finally broken with nine minutes remaining. Gillespie collected the corner and played the perfect cross into the box where Chris Morgan headed past Kiraly to start the party for the Blades faithful.

Palace can certainly count themselves unlucky not to have taken anything from this game but will be disappointed that the chances which came their way were not taken.

It's now the end of season play offs for Palace which they go into on the back of one defeat in four games as they hope it will be them joining United in the top flight in August.  

Sheff Utd Kenny, Short (Lucketti 77), Morgan, Kozluk,Unsworth (Deane 84), Jagielka, Tonge, Gillespie, Armstrong,Shipperley (Akinbiyi 59), Webber.

Subs Not Used: Ifill, Geary.

Booked: Unsworth.

Crystal Palace Kiraly, Ward (Hudson 76), Popovic, Borrowdale,Fitz Hall (Butterfield 58), McAnuff, Watson, Soares, Reich,Freedman (Macken 66), Morrison.

Subs Not Used: Leigertwood, Speroni.

Booked: Popovic, Butterfield.

Att: 27,120    Ref: A Leake (Lancashire).