Preston 3-3 Sheff Utd

Gray's two goals were not enough for the Blades

Sheffield United failed to get the win they needed to stand any chance of making the play-offs.

Phil Jagielka headed in Robert Kozluk's cross to put United ahead before Graham Alexander equalised from 25 yards.

Andy Gray volleyed United back into the lead only for David Healy to level again with a superb 25-yard free-kick.

Gray hit the bar in a scramble before restoring United's lead again from close range but Ricardo Fuller headed Preston's third equaliser.

United's nerves were eased when Jagielka headed them into a 21st minute lead.

KEY MOMENTS 21 mins: Jagielka heads the Blades in front 24 mins: Alexander thunders in an equaliser 38 mins: Gray restores United's lead 54 mins: Healy deals the visitors another blow 77 mins: Gray nets his second for United 79 mins: Fuller makes it 3-3

The visitors had to attack as they chased a play-off place and left themselves exposed at the back.

And Preston took advantage when Alexander powered a shot past keeper Paddy Kenny and high into his left-hand corner to equalise.

Preston were the dominant side against edgy opponents and Richard Cresswell tamely shot into the arms of Kenny while Lewis put an effort just high.

But the Blades restored their lead against the run of play thanks to Gray.

There must be a few bitter Blades out there From Len Badger Have your say on 606

The odds were against United making it into the top six and they increased when Healy levelled for the Deepdale side nine minutes into the second half.

Gray grabbed his second of the game to keep alive the ambitions of manager Neil Warnock's side only for their hopes to suffer another setback as Preston again quickly equalised through Fuller.

The goal ended United's hopes for another season.

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Preston: Gould, Alexander, Davis, Lucketti, Broomes, Lewis, McKenna (Koumantarakis 81), Etuhu (McCormack 45), Healy, Fuller, Cresswell.
Subs Not Used: Lucas, Smith, Michael Jackson.

Booked: Fuller.

Sheff Utd: Kenny, Kozluk, Page, Morgan, Wright, Gray, McCall (Forte 80), Phil Jagielka, Tonge, McLeod, Allison.
Subs Not Used: Shaw, Ndlovu, Rankine, Francis.

Booked: Page, Kozluk, Phil Jagielka.

Attendance: 16,612.

Referee: G Laws (Tyne & Wear).