Bournemouth move one step closer to promotion while Sheffield United held onto their play-off spot courtesy of a 0-0 draw.

In a match with plenty on the line, it was no surprise to see a tense 90 minutes on display at Bramall Lane. Chances were few and far between in the opening exchanges of the match, with both clubs wary of the consequences of conceding an early goal.

Sheffield United looked most dangerous from set-pieces, with Oliver Norwood delivering a dangerous corner which was flicked to the back post, only for it to be directed onto the crossbar by Bournemouth defender Lloyd Kelly. It was an almost devastating blow for the Cherries.

Oli McBurnie was crucial in several following United attacks as he looked for his first league goal of the season. A smart passage of play by the Sheffield United frontmen resulted in Morgan Gibbs-White finding the Scottish international, with his effort from just inside the box deflected over the crossbar by Kelly once again. McBurnie soon returned the favour, with Bournemouth keeper Mark Travers pulling out a fine stop to deny the Wolves loanee.

The visitors were limited to half-chances for the majority of the game, with a set-piece of their own causing all sorts of issues in the opposition box before Kelly fired over from 12-yards out. He was a  key figure at both ends of the field for Bournemouth.

The final ten minutes provided one of the more contentious decisions of the weekend, where it appeared that Gibbs-White had been taken out by Nat Phillips’ attempted clearance inside the box. No penalty, however, much to the dismay of the Bramall Lane faithful.

The dying moments of the game presented a glorious chance for Sheffield United defender Filip Uremović to be the hero, however it wasn’t to be as the number 25 hooked well wide to spare Bournemouth’s blushes. 

Such a result maintains Sheffield United’s remarkable unbeaten home record dating back to October but they may feel it is two points dropped on this occasion.

What does this mean for the promotion race?

Neither team has seen a change in position following their draw, however Bournemouth must now keep one eye open on the in-form Nottingham Forest. 

Following their 2-0 win against Birmingham City, the Midlands side are only six points behind the Cherries with each team having seven games left to play. With just one point in their last two games, Scott Parker’s side needs to get back to winning ways if they are to finish in the top two. They take on play-off contenders Middlesbrough on Friday in a tough meeting back at the Vitality Stadium.

For Sheffield United, a point is not the worst result in the world on reflection of this weekend’s results. Seventh place Blackburn also dropped points in a 1-1 draw against Blackpool while Middlesbrough fell to a surprise 1-0 defeat against strugglers Hull City. 

The Blades are currently two points clear of Rovers while the top two looks like a distant dream of eight points after failing to gain on this weekend’s opponents. Sheffield United instead turn their attention to their clash against Reading who continue their battle for survival.

It is clear any more slip-ups could prove fatal to their play-off hopes, however. Boro have a game in hand over Paul Heckingbottom’s side and remain just three points behind – a win in that game for Middlesbrough and Sheffield United could be out of the all-important top six. 

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