HECKY'S BOYS TAKE A HUGE JUMP CLOSER TOT THE PREM

Blades hit back for vital win

- Chris Dunlavy

SHEFFIELD United are on the cusp of promotion to the Premier League after battering relegation-haunted Cardiff City.

Trailing to Sory Kaba’s early penalty and outplayed for much of the first half, the Blades equalised through James McAtee before goals from Jack Robinson, Iliman Ndiaye and Ciaran Clark capped a devastating second-half display.

Sub Connor Wickham did strike the bar with the score at 2-1, but the Bluebirds lacked a clinical edge throughout.

The result means United require just eight points from their final five games to secure second position and return to the top flight after a two-year absence.

“We’ve got ourselves in a position where it’s just about us and that’s all we’ve ever wanted,” said manager Paul Heckingbottom.

“Boro won again. Luton’s form is unreal. But the more games you win, the more the margin for error closes for the chasing pack.

“The older guys have got the experience. The young players have got the energy. We as a staff have tried to be really consistent in our behaviour, so we don’t get wrapped up in the media narrative or the points-gap fluctuating.