Sheffield United 1 Preston NE 0 (agg 2-1):Sheffield United edged closer to a return to the top flight with a 1-0 win over Preston North End at Brammall Lane this evening. Greg Halford's 59th minute header proved decisive for the Blades after a 1-1 draw at Deepdale on Friday.

The tall midfielder, on a season-long loan from Sunderland, rose to steer Kyle Walker's cross into the top corner on the hour-mark to settle a typically nerve-jangling Championship semi-final second leg at Bramall Lane.

Halford's winner was deserved and Kevin Blackwell's side are just one win away from a return to the Premier League, two years after they were controversially relegated.

United will meet either Burnley or Reading in the Wembley final in a fortnight’s time.