Sheffield United Play-off First Leg Record: A Look at the Blades’ Semi-Final History | OneFootball

As Sheffield United gear up for yet another crack at promotion through the play-offs, this time against Bristol City following a third-place finish in the 2024/25 Championship season, attention turns to their historical record in the first leg of play-off semi-finals.

The Blades have endured a long and often painful relationship with the play-offs, this is their ninth attempt to go up via this route for the first-ever time, and the first legs have frequently set the tone for what followed.

How Sheffield United Have Fared in First-Legs of Promotion Play-offs

OXFORD, ENGLAND – APRIL 05: Sheffield United FC players react at full time during the Sky Bet Championship match between Oxford United FC and Sheffield United FC at Kassam Stadium on April 05, 2025 in Oxford, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

Here’s a look back at Sheffield United’s first-leg performances in play-off semi-finals over the years:

1996/97 – Division One Semi-final

Sheffield United 1-1 Ipswich Town

The Blades opened with a draw at Bramall Lane. They also drew the return leg 2-2 at Portman Road after extra time, and due to the away goals rule, they went through to the final, and ultimately lost 1-0 to Crystal Palace.

1997/98 – Division One Semi-final

Sheffield United 2-1 Sunderland

A strong first-leg win at home gave hope, but United were overwhelmed 2-0 in the second leg at the Stadium of Light and exited 3-2 on aggregate.

2002/03 – First Division Semi-final

Nottingham Forest 1-1 Sheffield United

A credible away draw laid the foundations for a memorable second-leg comeback. United won 4-3 after extra time at Bramall Lane and advanced to the final, where they got obliterated 3-0 by Wolves.

2008/09 – Championship Semi-final

Preston North End 1-1 Sheffield United

Another away draw gave the Blades a strong platform, and they capitalised by winning 1-0 in the second leg. Their promotion hopes were ultimately dashed by Burnley at Wembley.

2011/12 – League One Semi-final

Stevenage 0-0 Sheffield United

A goalless away draw left things even heading to Bramall Lane, and United would win the second leg 1-0. They eventually lost the final to Huddersfield Town on penalties after goalkeeper Steve Simonsen smashed his penalty miles over the bar in front of the Huddersfield fans.

2012/13 – League One Semi-final

Sheffield United 1-0 Yeovil Town

A narrow home win in S2 put the Blades in control, but they collapsed in the second leg with a 2-0 defeat at Huish Park as Ed Upson broke United’s hearts with five minutes to spare.

2014/15 – League One Semi-final

Sheffield United 1-2 Swindon Town

A damaging home defeat in the first leg left them with a mountain to climb. Despite a dramatic 5-5 second-leg draw after Nigel Clough’s men trailed 5-1 on aggregate inside 19 minutes at the County Ground, the Blades were eliminated 7-6 on aggregate.

2021/22 – Championship Semi-final

Sheffield United 1-2 Nottingham Forest

Trailing after a disappointing first leg at Bramall Lane, United put up a spirited fight at the City Ground under Paul Heckingbottom, winning the second leg 2-1 to level the tie before losing on penalties after an inspired goalkeeping performance from Brice Samba.

Overall First-Leg Record

Played: 8

Won: 2

Drawn: 4

Lost: 2

Goals For: 8

Goals Against: 8

As the Blades travel to Ashton Gate on Thursday evening, they will be eager to create history having never won an away first leg in the promotion play-offs and bring back a lead to Bramall Lane for next Monday night.