Sheffield United 2-1 Bristol City
Adam Baker reports from Bramall Lane

City secured their place in the play-offs despite a 2-1 defeat at Sheffield United.

Results elsewhere guaranteed their top six finish, but City will wonder how they didn't win at Bramall Lane, especially after Michael McIndoe put them in front from the penalty spot.

Gary Speed proved the hero for United - who could still reach the play-offs - as he equalised before half-time and sealed victory on 53 minutes from the spot.

In an open beginning to the game Speed headed wide of the goal from a corner and Jamie McCombe volleyed just over at the other end from Lee Trundle's neat overhead kick.

Michael Tonge passed up a good chance on 13 minutes when, with his back to goal just yards out, he couldn't get his shot away and Adriano Basso pounced.

And City responded by going in front on 24 minutes as Ugo Ehiogu pulled back Dele Adebola in the penalty area. With Paddy Kenny diving to his right, McIndoe sent the resultant spot-kick down the centre of the goal for 1-0.

However, the lead lasted just five minutes as Speed was gifted a free header 12 yards out to guide Tonge's corner into the net.

Stephen Quinn fired over soon after with a volley, but then City took charge before half-time. Nick Carle saw two shots blocked inside the box, and then on the stroke of half-time warmed the hands of Kenny with a low drive.

The home side started the second 45 the stronger with ex-City man Dave Cotterill's low shot needing a parried save from Basso, and Hulse sent the rebound over.

But the Blades were ahead on 53 minutes as McIndoe was adjudged to have handled in the penalty area by the assistant referee. Speed powered the spot-kick beyond Basso, who had guessed the right way.

City responded with what seemed like a goal when Trundle's cross was nodded in by McIndoe, but he was flagged offside.

The visitors tried all they could to level with Carle having a header pushed away by Kenny and Enoch Showunmi - on for Elliott - heading just wide.