TOWN’S second division campaign came to a close at Leeds Road with a performance that typified their season.
The team’s inconsistency was laid bare as they raced into a two goal lead against Yorkshire rivals Sheffield United only to then show their defensive frailties and have to settle for a 2-2 draw.
Admittedly Town had been unfortunate when 20 minutes from time Paul Wilson had to be carried from the field with an ankle wound that required stitches and within ten minutes of his departure the Blades had struck twice.
Town had looked strong in the first period and it was no surprise when they went ahead on 37 minutes when striker Dale Tempest headed home his 16th goal of the season after Sam Allardyce and Mark Lillis had combined to create the chance.
Liam Robinson then added the second when he was on hand to head in after Allardyce had flicked on a Graham Cooper corner.
However, the Blades hit back as Town tried to regroup following Wilson’s departure and the drew level on 76 minutes when Phil Smith scored his first League goal, and within a minute United were level as Smith played in midfielder Glenn Cockerill, a player who had been a Town transfer target, to equalise.
Town: Cox, Measham, Winter, Robinson, Webster, Allardyce, Lillis, Pugh, Tempest, Wilson (Butler 70 mins), Cooper.
Sheffield United: Burridge, Heffernan, McGeeney, Walshaw, Stancliffe, B Smith, Black, Cockerill, Peattie (Philliskirk 62 mins), Bolton, P Smith.
Referee: George Courtney (Spennymoor)
Attendance: 4,416
