Post by El Morto La Hoja! on Mar 11, 2009 12:49:15 GMT -1
Assistant boss Sam Ellis says automatic promotion is still within Sheffield United's grasp despite the 2-2 draw at home to Blackpool.
The Blades missed the chance to close the gap on second-placed Birmingham, who drew 1-1 at Barnsley, after throwing away a 1-0 lead to drop two points at Bramall Lane.
Ellis however, still believes a top-two finish is achievable, in what he describes as one of the hardest leagues in the world to win promotion from.
He said: "The result leaves us in the same position. It is still up for grabs although a few teams above us will be relieved we didn't pick up three points.
"It is that type of league this season, it must be the hardest league in the world to get out of."
The result moved United above Cardiff into fourth place and they still trail the Blues by eight points.
United dominated the first half and deservedly took the lead when Danny Coid was forced to head into his own net following a David Cotterill corner.
But the game was turned on its head during a seven-minute period either side of half-time, with Nick Blackman netting with a powerful drive off the underside of the bar and DJ Campbell capping his impressive display with a goal just after the break following a mistake from Blades defender Chris Morgan.
Campbell could have extended the visitors' lead midway through the second half but fired straight at Paddy Kenny when clean through.
Blackpool they were made to pay for the miss as Cotterill struck home an equalising penalty in the 72nd minute after Paul Rachubka had upended substitute Jamie Ward.
Ellis added: "Great credit to the players after going 2-1 down. That is our strength, whether things are not going for us we still battle back to get something out of the game, and it is a good base to build a team from."
On the penalty, Ellis added: "I was sitting in the stands but it looked like a stonewall penalty to me."
Blackpool boss Tony Parkes was disappointed not to take home all three points but was delighted with the performance.
He said: "We were disappointed as we thought we may have got a win.
"They had a few chances but the pleasing thing was we played well and carried it on from Saturday's win over Norwich.
"Confidence is high at the minute and we have played very well in the two games. We will go to Barnsley in high spirits.
"We will stay up, I have to believe that."
Sheffield Wednesday fan Parkes believes it will be hard for United to win promotion this season.
"It will be tough for Sheffield United, there are some big teams in the top half and there are better teams than Sheffield United in the top six," he said.
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my gunning i presume they mean limp wristed, tactically inept attempt to appear vaguely threatening to the top 3
