League One play-offs: Swindon survive Blades comeback in 10-goal thriller

Robins coach Mark Cooper lost Thompson to a hamstring problem, but the hosts went further in front before the hour when Smith scored his second from the penalty spot. Jermaine Hylton had been brought down by opposition keeper Mark Howard, leaving referee Keith Hill no option.

Clough threw on United loanee Steven Davies for the final 30 minutes to offer a more physical threat, and it didn’t take the Blackpool-owned player long to make an impact. Harris again assisted down the left flank, crossing for his former Bloomfield Road buddy to head home.

At 4-3 (and 6-4) down, the Blades slipped again when Swindon caught them on the counter. Jonathan Obika cut inside two defenders and slotted beyond Howard with what proved to be the tie’s decisive strike.

Robins number one Wes Foderingham made key saves from Davies and fellow United sub Che Adams but, on the latter occasion two minutes before stoppage time, Matt Done followed up during pinball in the hosts’ box to set up a grandstand finish.

Young Adams made seven (which turned into nine) additional minutes nervy for Swindon when he cut infield from the right and rifled in to bring the Blades level at 5-5 on the night, but ultimately falling short on aggregate.

Rarely has there been a crazier game of football and, although Clough and co were unlucky not to advance, play-off final opponents Preston (odds-on 4/6 promotion favourites) will be licking their lips as they prepare to face a leaky Robins defence at Wembley on May 24th.