Swindon 5-5 Sheffield United as it happened

1. Swindon win 7-6 on aggregate
2. Highest-scoring play-off match in history
3. Swindon face Preston at Wembley on 24 May

Swindon reach Wembley

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Who predicted a 5-5 record-breaker tonight? We certainly didn't.

It's time for us to sign off now. We hope you enjoyed the drama.

Same again on Tuesday for some Champions League action?

What's up next...

Now that we've recovered from that goalfest, let's turn our attention to League Two...

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On Thursday, we'll discover the identities of the two play-off finalists in League Two, and both ties are nicely balanced going into the second legs.

Plymouth must overturn a one-goal deficit at Wycombe, although their late fight back to only lose 3-2 on Saturday evening has given them some hope of reaching Wembley.

In the other semi-final, Stevenage and Southend are all square, Barry Corr's header earning the Shrimpers a 1-1 draw at Lamex Stadium on Sunday.

We'll have a live text commentary covering both games, plus coverage on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra.

Read Nabil Hassan's report from a simply breathtaking match at the County Ground. Just the 10 goals.

More information from the reporters at BBC Radio Sheffield, who were at the County Ground. It seems there was crowd trouble at the final whistle....

Jonathan Buchan

Swindon defender Jack Stephens tells BBC Radio 5 live sports extra: "I can't put it into words. We've worked really hard all season. I'm not happy conceding - I don't know how many it was! But it's great for the club and the fans, and we're going to enjoy it."

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Sheffield United tweet their thanks:

"After 63 games of ups & downs (inc tonight), season ends in play-off defeat. From all at #sufc, thanks for the great support."

Swindon goalkeeper Wes Foderingham tells BBC Radio 5 live sports extra: "The game was so end-to-end. We're disappointed to go 3-0 up and then for them to come back into the game. The main thing is that we got the win and we're going to Wembley."

Wonder how he feels after conceding five in a victory?!

Looks like things got a bit ugly on the pitch at full-time, according to BBC Radio Sheffield's Rob Staton at the County Ground:

Rob Staton

Swindon Town manager Mark Cooper told Sky Sports:

"We're pleased to be through. It is a fantastic achievement for our club. They deserve to be there.

"But we've got a lot of work to do. Every time they came in our box they scored.

"Simon Grayson [Preston manager] will be looking on and practicing balls into the box tomorrow in training."

Swindon Town manager Mark Cooper told Sky Sports:

"It was torture. The worst game of football I've been through. I did not enjoy it at all. Going to Wembley hasn't sunk in because of the drama. It must be the best play-off game in history?"

He's not wrong there.

Swindon midfielder Ben Gladwin tells BBC Radio 5 live sports extra: "It was a great start to the game but we didn't make it easy for ourselves. It must have been a great game for the people at home watching. What a feeling."

FULL-TIME

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Swindon reach the League One play-off final after an astonishing game of football at the County Ground.

Fans stream on the pitch and lift the home players aloft.

I'm surprised anyone's got the energy left for that sort of thing.

Imagine how many goals we would get if this game went to extra time?

At the moment, it's still Swindon going to Wembley to meet Preston in the final.

Meanwhile, Yaser Kasim is booked for mouthing off to the referee after he failed to win a free-kick.

This game is still in the balance. We're not sure how.

Two-goal Ben Gladwin is off, and big defender Raphael Rossi Branco is on for Swindon.

He may as well have a go at goal. Everyone else is.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Empics

OptaJoe: With 10 goals, Swindon v Sheffield Utd is now the highest scoring match in the history of the play-offs (previous high was 8). Value.

When do we go to brackets, then?

GOAL (Che Adams)

What on earth is going on?

Che Adams, who was only introduced a few minutes ago, has just struck to bring Sheffield United level on the night at 5-5.

Seven minutes of added time now. The Blades couldn't possibly do it, could they?

GOAL (Matty Done)

This is the game that keeps on giving.

Matty Done slots home after Che Adams' initial shot was blocked.

Just the ninth goal of the night.

GOAL (Jon Obika)

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Are we safe to say this is Swindon's now?

Massimo Luongo runs clear and feeds to Jon Obika. A couple of quick touches and he twists around the Sheffield United defence to dink it home.

Preston's strikers must be looking at some of the defending in this game and licking their lips ahead of the play-off final on 24 May.

Remember, the winners here will take on North End at Wembley for a place in next season's Championship.

Another one goes in the book - this time Blades defender Craig Alcock, after he cuts through an onrushing Yaser Kasim.

The pace of the game has slowed down to what we would deem a normal speed.

After Anton Rodgers goes in the book, Sheffield United's Matty Done whips a ball in from the left but Jack Stephens heads away.

A second corner for Swindon, after Chris Basham heads out of play.

Again, Town can't make it go near the target. Maybe they've had enough of scoring for one night?

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

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Chris Martin: This must be some sort of record for a play off semi-final? So many goals!

Crewe beat Walsall 9-3 on aggregate in a fourth-tier tie in 1993 - we're getting close!

Martin Griffin: Two games on from two different leagues. I think we all know what the more exciting game is!

Arsenal v Swansea in the Premier League is still goalless. Perhaps we can lend them a couple of goals?

Bob Harris is involved again but this time he's pulled up for a foul on Nathan Byrne.

Free-kick right on the edge of the area taken by Yaser Kasim goes out for a corner.

A slick Bob Harris free-kick from 25 yards out is placed perfectly across the box but not one Blades player can get a head on it, and it's gathered by Wes Foderingham.

Jamie Murphy is left completely unmarked by the Swindon defence and he tries to feed to Matthew Done, but the Blades midfielder is caught offside.

West Brom boss Tony Pulis is in the crowd tonight but he's leaving early. He could easily miss 100 goals between now and full-time. Maybe.

A booking for Paul Coutts as he raises his boot and it hits Nathan Byrne on the arm.

Byrne takes the resulting free-kick but it ends up on the adjacent side of the pitch.

Steve White

Ex-Swindon Town striker, BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

"It's scary. I've not seen a game like this in a long time. Defences are certainly not on top this evening."

GOAL (Steven Davies)

And another!

Sheffield United forward Steven Davies, who's only been on the field for five minutes, heads in low from a Bob Harris ball in.

Not dissimilar from Chris Basham's in the first half. If you can remember that far back.

Sheffield United two behind again.

Nabil Hassan

BBC Sport at The County Ground

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"After a nervy start to the second half, Michael Smith's penalty for Swindon has left Sheffield United with a lot of work to do.

"Cracking atmosphere here in what has been a thoroughly entertaining cup tie. 'We're going to Wembley' rings around the County Ground. They're almost there."

Couple of changes for both sides.

Steven Davies arrives to replace Marc McNulty for the Blades while Anton Rodgers comes on for penalty winner Jermaine Hylton.

Rodgers is the son of Liverpool manager Brendan, FYI.

Steve White

Ex-Swindon Town striker, BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

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"That's a massive goal for Swindon and for Smith. Smashed it low, true as a die."

GOAL (Michael Smith pen)

A cool, cool penalty from Michael Smith. Mark Howard went the right way but couldn't get a hand to it.

In any other instance I'd hand this game to Swindon right now, but you cannot guess this one.

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PENALTY for Swindon

Jermaine Hylton is brought down in the box by goalkeeper Mark Howard, who is booked by the referee. Michael Smith steps up. Big moment.

A reshuffle for Swindon with Nathan Thompson forced off.

Sam Ricketts moves to centre-back, and Jon Obika comes on as a left wing-back. He's usually a striker, so this might be an interesting move.

A worry for Swindon as captain Nathan Thompson goes down in a lot of pain with what looks like a hamstring pull.

He's handing the armband over to his team-mates. The defender's night is over.

Sheffield United's Marc McNulty, who was benched for the first leg of this tie, hits the ball so high and wide it may have ended up on the magic roundabout system outside the County Ground.

Nigel Clough is not happy.

Swindon's Jack Stephens is fouled by Paul Coutts, who let's just say disagrees with the referee's decision.

Yaser Kasim, from 40 yards out, sends the free-kick forward but it comes to nothing.

Sheffield United are pressing, as they need to this half.

The visitors win three consecutive corners. The first is cleared by Jack Stephens, the second trickles out and the third is whipped in by Craig Alcock but Chris Basham is unable to head it on target.

KICK-OFF

They say anything can happen in the play-offs. What on earth can we expect from the second half of this madness in Wiltshire?

Brace yourselves, we're starting up again.

Wolves head coach Kenny Jackett on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra: "It's been a very good game and a lot of goals obviously. Both teams have been very attacking and it's been a very good game. It's certainly been entertaining. Both teams have gone for it and I'm sure it will be the same in the second half."

Live commentary continues via the Live Coverage tab.

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A few interested spectators at Swindon tonight.

Burton manager Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink is at the County Ground, as are West Bromwich Albion boss Tony Pulis and Everton midfielder Gareth Barry.

And so, too, is the chap in the middle here - Aston Villa manager Tim Sherwood. No gilet, though.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Angie Jackson: League One play-off - five goals. Premier League game - zero goals. This is why I prefer lower-league football.

I'm with you, Angie.

Empics

Speaking to BBC Wiltshire, former Swindon striker Sam Parkin says: "It's been madness. Swindon blew Sheffield United away in the first 20 minutes with some of the best football I've seen this season.

"At 3-0, people around me were starting to think it was job done. But in these games, you just never know. It's so difficult to call.

"I don't think the goals are done yet - I'd imagine there will be at least two or three more goals in this game."

It's probably a good idea to list what's happened so far. Here goes:

• 4 mins: Ben Gladwin volleys Swindon ahead (Agg 3-1)

• 10 mins: Ben Gladwin taps in his second (Agg 4-1)

• 18 mins: Michael Smith puts Swindon 3-0 up on the night with a low strike (Agg 5-1)

• 19 mins: Jamie Murphy's shot deflects in off Nathan Thompson for 3-1 (Agg 5-2)

• 38 mins: Chris Basham heads home his first goal for Sheffield United to make it 3-2. (Agg 5-3)

Steve White

Ex-Swindon Town striker, BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

"Swindon are in the driving seat. They'd want to be in this position - can they see the game out?"

HALF-TIME

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What a first half in Wiltshire.

Mark Cooper was licking his lips and dreaming of Wembley when his Swindon side went 3-0 up after 18 minutes. Since then, Sheffield United have found some form and scored twice themselves in a crazy first period.

So it's 3-2 to Swindon on the night, and they lead 5-3 on aggregate. Congratulations if you kept up.

HALF-TIME

Well, that was interesting.

YELLOW CARD

There's some rough and tumble between Jay McEveley - a former Swindon player - and leggy Town striker Michael Smith.

McEveley receives the first yellow of the game and Yaser Kasim has a free-kick.

The Iraq midfielder skies it over the bar, and receives ironic whistles from the crowd.

Nabil Hassan

BBC Sport at The County Ground

"This is how things are going at the County Ground in the first half: Someone scores a goal, I look down and type it up. Look up. Repeat x 5."

Sheffield United's Ryan Flynn is down injured after several clashes of knees with two hustling Swindon players.

It's given the rest of the players a breather after this five-goal 40 minutes. We're all spent.

Steve White

Ex-Swindon Town striker, BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

"That's a shocking goal to concede and a shocking time to concede it. Whoever's man he was - Basham had a free run into the box."

GOAL (Chris Basham)

An absolute bullet header from Chris Basham has opened this game up yet again.

The Blades midfielder scoops his body low to a Bob Harris cross and knocks it past Wes Foderingham, who perhaps should have got a hand to it.

All of a sudden, this tie is back on.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Sam Payne: My mate Oli, massive Swindon fan at the game. He says he has never been happier in his life. The power of football!

An overlapping run from Kieron Freeman is sent into Chris Basham but his flick couldn't quite make it into the path of Matty Done, who looks a tad offside for the visitors anyway.

Worth pointing out that despite the scoreline, the stats machine is telling us it's 50/50 in the possession stakes.

Bizarre game.

Nabil Hassan

BBC Sport at The County Ground

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"This is an absolutely bonkers start to the game but so much fun. Neither set of players, management or fans have barely had time to breathe after an incredible opening 30 minutes that has seen four goals and plenty of chances.

"It's so open, no one would bet against there being more goals."

Just as you think it's quietening down, Massimo Luongo goes on a mazy run for Swindon, and gets the crowd excited, but fails to hit the target with his shot.

The Sheffield United defence look very unstable. Can you tell from the scoreline?

We've not had a goal in the last five minutes. Everyone breathe.

Visiting duo Jamie Murphy and Marc McNulty did go on the march, but it came to nothing.

And at the other end Nathan Byrne is given a free run but he shoots at goalkeeper Mark Howard.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

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Prince Potter: Ben Gladwin was released twice by Conference South Hayes & Yeading for not being good enough. Now doing this. Madness.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Nick Harrison: Us Blades producing bottles since 1988.

GOAL (Jamie Murphy)

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An immediate reply for Sheffield United. Seconds ago, Blades boss Nigel Clough had his head in his hands. Now his side are only three behind in the semi-final tie as Jamie Murphy's left-footed shot deflects in off Nathan Thompson.

GOAL (Michael Smith)

Michael Smith wiggles his way through the gaping Blades defence and slots home a third for Swindon.

Have they got it wrapped up in 17 minutes?

Blades defender Bob Harris, who played his part in Swindon's second, shoots at goal with his weaker right foot but it goes wide of Wes Foderingham's post.

Nabil Hassan

BBC Sport at The County Ground

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"The first chants of "we are going up" ring round the County Ground and you can't blame Swindon's fans for being optimistic after their stunning start.

"Sheffield United are being completely blown out of the water here. It's 2-0 inside 10 minutes and it's practically game over."

I don't know about you, but I'm knackered already.

The pace has slowed down slightly, perhaps as Sheffield United rack their brains for a plan B.

Steve White

Ex-Swindon Town striker, BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

"That is dreamland for Swindon. Nathan Byrne played a big part up at Sheffield and he's played a big part in the first two goals. He wouldn't give it up, went to the touchline, lobbed it over the goalkeeper and Gladwin had an easy tap-in."

GOAL (Ben Gladwin)

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Ben Gladwin has done it again!

The former removals man (no, really) has an easy tap-in after Bob Harris delivers a defensive lapse into the path of Nathan Byrne.

The home fans are bouncing. Nigel Clough looks bewildered.

Straight after Ben Gladwin put Swindon ahead on the night, Sheffield United presses at the other end, but Ryan Flynn can only head over at the back post.

And it's followed by Thursday's match-winner Nathan Byrne going at goal after a weaving run.

It's end to end already.

Steve White

Ex-Swindon Town striker, BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

"That's an unbelievable half-volley from Gladwin. Great work from Smith, he got the cross in, and it was such a sweet strike. What a goal - a magnificent clean strike."

GOAL (Ben Gladwin)

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What a start by Swindon.

Ben Gladwin pummels the ball into the bottom corner after Craig Alcock heads off the initial danger.

Swindon take a two-goal lead in the tie.

Swindon enjoying most of the early possession so far.

Michael Smith rushes forward but can't quite reach the ball before Jay McEveley ushers it into the safe hands of Blades keeper Mark Howard.

KICK-OFF

After a couple of team huddles, Swindon pair Jermaine Hylton and Ben Gladwin start us off.

It really is glorious weather in Wiltshire...

Steve White

Ex-Swindon Town striker, BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

"The team that are able to control their emotions and their nerves are the team that will come out on top."

Listen to live commentary on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra via the Live Coverage tab.

Right then. Has everyone had their pre-match meal, completed their dressing room rituals and limbered up?

Good, because the teams are out and we're nearly ready for kick-off at the sun-drenched County Ground.

Listen live on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

Click on the Live Coverage tab to listen to live commentary of Swindon Town v Sheffield United on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra.

Your commentators this evening are BBC Wiltshire's Andrew Hawes and former Swindon Town striker Steve White.

Fact fans: White was the man who scored twice in Swindon's first ever play-off final in the 1986-87 season.

I'm too young to remember, of course. Ahem.

Sheffield United manager Nigel Clough told Sky Sports: "It's still all to play for. You'd fancy Swindon after the first leg but we've got 90 minutes to get to Wembley.

"We know we played well at home. Decisions went against us and we let in two soft goals. We can let that happen tonight. I'd take penalties."

More from Swindon chairman Lee Power:

"I thought we'd be competitive this year. I knew that the squad we put together was going to be decent. People were a bit disappointed we didn't go up automatically but we've had a fantastic season and we need to finish it off now.

"I'd take a draw! But nobody's being complacent. We had a fantastic night up in Sheffield on Thursday and the lads know it's going to be a tough game. If we can play how we play, I'm confident we can go through."

Views from the boardroom

Swindon chairman Lee Power has been speaking to BBC Points West ahead of tonight's second leg:

"It's a massive game for the football club. I can't say I'm looking forward to it. It's worth a lot of money. A lot of people will be going home unhappy or ecstatic, so there's a lot on the players' shoulders.

"They say the play-offs and Wembley are worth around £900,000 and £1m. So financially it means a lot, but I'm a football person and a football supporter. I know what it means to the people of Swindon."

#BBCFootball

The most important question of the night: Who's going to get to Wembley?

Get in touch on Twitter using the hashtag #BBCFootball. Let us know which team you think will progress and throw in a score prediction while you're at it.

Gareth Torpy: Sheffield United to win 3-0!

Mark Halliwell: 2-1 Swindon.

Mike Stewart: As I'm not watching probably a 4-4 classic.

Fear not, Mike. If you're away from your TV we'll have all the action right here.

View from the press box

Nabil Hassan

BBC Sport at The County Ground

"'It's a sell out.'

"Not something Swindon Town have been able to say much this season, but tonight nearly 14,000 will pack into the County Ground to see the Robins take on Sheffield United.

"The atmosphere outside was one of optimism from the home supporters, and despite their manager's mind games, they see their side as favourites going into this game.

"Blue skies and a light breeze await United's fans in Wiltshire, and with their woeful play-off history in mind, they have a massive task to turn things around here."

What you've missed...

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Preston became the first club to book their place in the League One play-off final after completing a 4-0 aggregate win over Chesterfield yesterday.

Jermaine Beckford scored twice in a 3-0 victory at Deepdale. The first, a turn and volley inside the box, was decent enough. His second, a shot from the halfway line, was a bit special.

In League Two, Stevenage and Southend drew 1-1 in the first leg of their semi-final, leaving that one finely poised ahead of Thursday's second leg at Roots Hall.

Play-offs on BBC Sport

BBC Sport

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So far, Preston North End are the only club to have confirmed their place in a Wembley play-off final later this month. Either Swindon Town or Sheffield United will join them this evening.

Remember, you can follow every Football League play-off match on the BBC Sport website. We'll be providing a live text commentary of every game, including the finals on 23-25 May.

The season so far..

Swindon finished fourth in the League One table at the end of the regular season, having been top over the Christmas period.

They won 23, drew 10 and lost 13 of their 46 games.

Sheffield United ended up fifth - a position they held since February - with 19 wins, 14 draws and 13 defeats.

The Blades beat Town 2-0 at home in January but were smashed 5-2 in the away fixture in September.

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Swindon's last play-off

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Swindon attempted to reach the Championship in the 2012-13 season but lost in an agonising penalty shoot-out at the semi-final stage to Brentford.

It was to be manager Kevin MacDonald's final game in charge, and the reins were handed to then assistant boss Mark Cooper.

Eighth time lucky?

Sheffield United's play-off record is, well, dismal. Let's look at the history books.

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1988: Sheffield United were beaten in a two-legged relegation play-off against Bristol City, which dumped them out of Division Two - or in current money League One.

1997: Lost to 1-0 Crystal Palace in Division One play-off final.

1998: Went out at the semi-final stage to Sunderland.

2003: Beaten by Wolverhampton Wanderers in the play-off final.

2009: Lost 1-0 to Burnley in the Championship play-off final.

2012: Beaten on penalties in the League One final by Huddersfield.

2013: Lost to Yeovil in the semi-finals.

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Andy Williams came on for the final 14 minutes of Swindon's first-leg win at Bramall Lane, but he won't be available to be called upon tonight. Will the hosts miss their top scorer?

Line-ups

Swindon Town: Foderingham, Stephens, N. Thompson, Turnbull, Byrne, Kasim, Luongo, Gladwin, Ricketts, Hylton, Smith.

Subs: T. Belford, Barthram, Branco, Marshall, Rodgers, Randall, Obika.

Sheffield United: Howard, Alcock, Harris, Basham, Flynn, Murphy, McNulty, Done, Coutts, McEveley, Freeman.

Subs: Turner, Doyle, Davies, McGahey, Adams, Davies, Holt.

BreakingTeam news

Swindon manager Mark Cooper names the same starting XI from the first leg but Andy Williams and John Swift drop off the bench (not literally).

Williams has a groin issue while Swift has a calf problem, so Raphael Rossi Branco and Will Randall are called up in their place.

Sheffield United make three changes to the starting line-up.

Craig Alcock, Marc McNulty and Matt Done are in. Steven Davies, Jason Holt and John Brayford are out.

First-leg recap

It was all going swimmingly for Sheffield United in Thursday's first leg at Bramall Lane...

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Kieron Freeman's low drive put the Blades ahead on 19 minutes, and Swindon's Ben Gladwin missed from the penalty spot to leave the hosts 1-0 up at half-time.

But a bullet header from on-loan Wolves man Sam Ricketts brought Town level before the aforementioned Nathan Byrne popped up with the winner in added time.

The 1,179 travelling fans went bananas, as the 20,890 home fans gently wept.

I wonder how many nightmares Sheffield United fans have had about this man in the last four days.....

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Nathan Byrne's strike last Thursday has given Swindon the advantage going into tonight's League One play-off semi-final second leg.

But, as cliche-ridden football managers up and down the land will persist in telling you: The play-offs are a lottery, there's still 90 minutes to go, and it's still all to play for.