Jordan Slew sunk Bristol City with a superb late winner to keep alive Sheffield United's faint hopes of preserving their Championship status.

Brett Pitman opened the scoring direct from a corner before Lee Williamson's lucky ricochet drew the Blades level.

Nicky Maynard was sent off for the visitors and David McAllister rifled the hosts ahead.

Harry Maguire then saw red after conceding a penalty, which Pitman converted, before Slew slammed home.

Slew, 18, fired his first senior goal on his debut at Preston last week and followed up with a fine winner that lifts the Blades to within six points of safety with three games remaining.

The home side had begun the game full of purpose but were undone by Steve Simonsen's howler in the ninth minute.

The Blades goalkeeper had turned away Maynard's fierce shot for a corner and when Pitman delivered a right-footed inswinger to the far post, Simonsen flapped at the ball and contrived to deflect it over the goalline.

A prolonged torrential downpour made conditions difficult but the Blades still pressed and they turned the game on its head in the space of three minutes just before the break.

United deservedly equalised in the 40th minute in bizarre fashion. The ball pinballed around the City penalty area and visiting defender Jamie McAllister's attempted clearance rebounded off Williamson and into the net.

Two minutes later the visitors were reduced to 10 men when Maynard's two-footed tackle prompted a straight red card from referee Andy D'Urso.

A minute later, David McAllister fired home a brilliant first-time shot from the edge of the penalty area following Lewin Nyatanga's miskick.

McAllister then curled another fine effort towards the same corner, only for David James to turn the ball away at full stretch.

City's 10 men were almost back on level terms in the 52nd minute when Pitman's 25-yard free-kick came back off the post.

The Blades were reduced to 10 men themselves in the 59th minute when Jon Stead was brought down inside the penalty area by Maguire.

D'Urso showed the youngster a straight red card and Pitman placed the subsequent spot-kick into Simonsen's bottom left-hand corner.

Blades manager Micky Adams was roundly booed for immediately sending on defender Rob Kozluk for Williamson, arguably the game's stand-out player, while Pitman and City skipper Marvin Elliott spurned golden chances to put the visitors ahead.

But with four minutes left Henderson's knockdown from Matthew Lowton's cross was rifled home from 12 yards by Slew to hand Adams his third win in 20 league games as Blades boss.

Lineup, Bookings (4) & Substitutions (6)

Sheffield Utd

  • 01 Simonsen
  • 20 Mattock Booked
  • 21 Lowry
  • 34 Lowton
  • 40 Maguire Dismissed
  • 04 Montgomery
  • 14 Williamson (Kozluk - 62' )
  • 24 McAllister
  • 28 Quinn (BH Riise - 76' )
  • 07 Henderson
  • 35 Slew (Philliskirk - 90' )

Substitutes

  • 13 Aksalu
  • 22 Kozluk
  • 23 Collins
  • 08 Doyle
  • 27 Philliskirk
  • 38 BH Riise
  • 10 Bogdanovic

Bristol City

  • 01 James
  • 03 McAllister
  • 05 Stewart
  • 22 Nyatanga
  • 28 Spence
  • 07 Elliott
  • 11 Woolford (Stead - 46' )
  • 21 Cisse (Campbell-Ryce - 46' )
  • 27 Adomah (Skuse - 46' Booked )
  • 10 Maynard Dismissed
  • 34 Pitman

Substitutes

  • 12 Gerken
  • 18 Wilson
  • 08 Johnson
  • 14 Skuse
  • 20 Campbell-Ryce
  • 09 Clarkson
  • 30 Stead
Ref: D'Urso
Att: 18,151

Match Stats

Shots

23 10

On target

14 3

Corners

10 3

Fouls

9 17

Live Text Commentary

90:00 +3:19 Full time

Full Time The referee brings the game to a close.

90:00 +2:47

Jamie McAllister crosses the ball, Marvin Elliott has a headed effort at goal from just outside the box which goes wide of the right-hand upright.

90:00 +2:30

The ball is delivered by Jamal Campbell-Ryce, clearance made by Nick Montgomery.

90:00 +0:31

Free kick taken by Steve Simonsen.

90:00 +0:31 Substitution

Substitution Daniel Philliskirk comes on in place of Jordan Slew.

90:00 +0:31

Bjorn Helge Riise fouled by Marvin Elliott, the ref awards a free kick.

89:48

The ball is delivered by Jordan Spence.

87:24

Matthew Lowton fouled by Jonathan Stead, the ref awards a free kick. Direct free kick taken by Steve Simonsen.

86:48

Jamie McAllister concedes a free kick for a foul on Bjorn Helge Riise. Bjorn Helge Riise delivers the ball from the free kick right-footed from right wing, save by David James.

85:07

Darius Henderson provided the assist for the goal.

85:07 Goal scored

Goal - Jordan Slew - Sheff Utd 3 - 2 Bristol C Jordan Slew finds the back of the net with a goal from deep inside the penalty box to the top right corner of the goal. Sheff Utd 3-2 Bristol City.

84:36

Free kick awarded for a foul by Cole Skuse on David McAllister. Shane Lowry takes the free kick.

81:36

Handball by Shane Lowry. Shot comes in from Jamie McAllister from the free kick, save made by Steve Simonsen.

81:13

The ball is swung over by Jamal Campbell-Ryce, Matthew Lowton manages to make a clearance.

80:53

Free kick awarded for a foul by Darius Henderson on Lewin Nyatanga. Direct free kick taken by Jamie McAllister.

80:27

Effort on goal by Brett Pitman from outside the penalty box goes harmlessly over the bar.

80:00

A cross is delivered by Bjorn Helge Riise, Jamie McAllister gets a block in.

79:08

Free kick awarded for a foul by Jordan Slew on Lewin Nyatanga. David James takes the direct free kick.

78:42

Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Shane Lowry by Marvin Elliott. Steve Simonsen takes the free kick.

78:36

The ball is crossed by Brett Pitman.

77:39

Brett Pitman produces a right-footed shot from inside the area that clears the crossbar.

76:57

Cole Skuse takes a shot. Steve Simonsen makes a save.

75:45

David James takes the direct free kick.

75:45 Substitution

Substitution Stephen Quinn leaves the field to be replaced by Bjorn Helge Riise.

75:45

Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Cole Skuse by Stephen Quinn.

75:07

Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Shane Lowry by Jonathan Stead. Free kick taken by Steve Simonsen.

74:34

The ball is crossed by Joe Mattock, Rob Kozluk has a headed effort at goal from close in which goes wide of the left-hand upright.

74:15

Free kick awarded for a foul by Jamal Campbell-Ryce on Jordan Slew. Direct free kick taken by Rob Kozluk.

73:25

Jonathan Stead takes a shot. Save by Steve Simonsen. Corner taken left-footed by Jamie McAllister, Steve Simonsen makes a save.

73:08

Cole Skuse challenges Matthew Lowton unfairly and gives away a free kick. Matthew Lowton takes the free kick.

72:06

Darius Henderson has an effort at goal from deep inside the area missing to the left of the goal.

71:34

The ball is sent over by Matthew Lowton, Darius Henderson has a headed effort at goal from close in which goes wide left of the goal.

71:11

Free kick taken by Stephen Quinn.

71:11 Booking

Booking The referee shows Cole Skuse a yellow card.

70:59

Stephen Quinn fouled by Cole Skuse, the ref awards a free kick.

70:51

The ball is crossed by Rob Kozluk, Lewin Nyatanga makes a clearance.

69:55

The ball is sent over by Joe Mattock.

68:46

The ball is swung over by Cole Skuse, Marvin Elliott produces a header from deep inside the six-yard box that clears the bar.

68:40

The ball is sent over by Marvin Elliott.

67:27

Darius Henderson concedes a free kick for a foul on Jamie McAllister. Direct free kick taken by David James.

66:29

A cross is delivered by Rob Kozluk.

66:03

Centre by Jonathan Stead, Rob Kozluk manages to make a clearance.

65:27

The referee blows for offside. David James takes the indirect free kick.

64:17

The ball is swung over by Darius Henderson.

63:22

Shot from just outside the box by Brett Pitman goes over the bar.

62:39

Inswinging corner taken from the right by-line by Stephen Quinn.

62:25

Joe Mattock takes a shot. Save by David James.

61:17

Steve Simonsen takes the direct free kick.

61:17 Substitution

Substitution Rob Kozluk replaces Lee Williamson.

61:17

Free kick awarded for a foul by Marvin Elliott on Steve Simonsen.

60:50

Corner taken left-footed by Jamie McAllister from the right by-line, save by Steve Simonsen.

60:41

The ball is delivered by Brett Pitman, blocked by Joe Mattock.

59:14 Goal scored

Goal - Brett Pitman - Sheff Utd 2 - 2 Bristol C Brett Pitman scores a placed penalty. Sheff Utd 2-2 Bristol City.

58:36 Dismissal

Dismissal Harry Maguire is sent off.

58:17

Penalty awarded for an unfair challenge on Jonathan Stead by Harry Maguire.

57:44

Nick Montgomery takes a shot. Blocked by Cole Skuse.

57:15

The ball is crossed by David McAllister, Jamie McAllister manages to make a clearance.

56:56

Centre by Lee Williamson.

56:29

Centre by Lee Williamson, clearance by Damion Stewart.

55:34

Matthew Lowton is flagged offside by the assistant referee. David James takes the indirect free kick.

53:33

Stephen Quinn has an effort at goal from the edge of the area that misses to the right of the target.

53:25

Nick Montgomery crosses the ball, Jamal Campbell-Ryce gets a block in.

51:49

Lee Williamson decides to take the corner short.

51:35

Stephen Quinn takes a short corner.

50:05

Foul by David McAllister on Cole Skuse, free kick awarded. Brett Pitman produces a strike on goal direct from the free kick.

48:04

Lee Williamson produces a cross, Darius Henderson takes a shot. Save made by David James.

46:27

The referee blows for offside against Darius Henderson. David James restarts play with the free kick.

45:54

Jamal Campbell-Ryce concedes a free kick for a foul on David McAllister. Free kick taken by Nick Montgomery.

45:01

The match restarts for the second half.

45:01 Substitution

Substitution Kalifa Cisse leaves the field to be replaced by Jamal Campbell-Ryce.

45:01 Substitution

Substitution (Bristol City) makes a substitution, with Jonathan Stead coming on for Martyn Woolford.

45:01 Substitution

Substitution Cole Skuse replaces Albert Adomah.

45:00 +4:41 Half time

Half Time The first half comes to an end.

45:00 +4:01

Darius Henderson gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on David James. David James restarts play with the free kick.

45:00 +3:44

David McAllister takes a shot. Save by David James.

45:00 +3:28

Stephen Quinn takes a short corner.

45:00 +3:21

The ball is sent over by Lee Williamson, blocked by Jamie McAllister.

45:00 +2:15

Inswinging corner taken right-footed by Lee Williamson from the left by-line, Shane Lowry has a header from close in and clears the crossbar.

45:00 +1:59

David McAllister takes a shot. Kalifa Cisse gets a block in.

45:00 +1:18

Foul by David McAllister on Kalifa Cisse, free kick awarded. David James takes the direct free kick.

45:00 +0:23

Corner taken by Lee Williamson from the left by-line played to the near post, Jamie McAllister makes a clearance.

45:00 +0:18

The ball is delivered by Darius Henderson, blocked by Damion Stewart.

44:43

Nick Montgomery produces a cross, David James makes a save.

43:58

David McAllister takes a shot. David James makes a brilliant save. Corner taken left-footed by Stephen Quinn, Lewin Nyatanga manages to make a clearance.

42:37 Goal scored

Goal - David McAllister - Sheff Utd 2 - 1 Bristol C David McAllister grabs a goal from outside the area to the top right corner of the goal. Sheff Utd 2-1 Bristol City.

41:37

Free kick taken by Steve Simonsen.

41:37 Dismissal

Dismissal Nicky Maynard is sent off.

41:23

Matthew Lowton fouled by Nicky Maynard, the ref awards a free kick.

39:09 Goal scored

Goal - Lee Williamson - Sheff Utd 1 - 1 Bristol C Lee Williamson finds the net with a headed goal from inside the area. Sheff Utd 1-1 Bristol City.

38:15

Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Matthew Lowton by Brett Pitman. Free kick taken by Stephen Quinn.

38:01

Marvin Elliott sends in a cross, Shane Lowry manages to make a clearance.

36:25

Lee Williamson delivers the ball, Marvin Elliott makes a clearance.

36:16

The ball is delivered by Matthew Lowton, clearance by Jamie McAllister.

35:17

Matthew Lowton takes a shot. David James makes a save.

31:35 Booking

Booking Booking for Joe Mattock for unsporting behaviour.

29:49

Joe Mattock gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Albert Adomah. Free kick taken by Jordan Spence.

23:40

Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Stephen Quinn by Brett Pitman. Nick Montgomery takes the direct free kick.

23:28

Jordan Slew sends in a cross, blocked by Kalifa Cisse.

22:39

Harry Maguire takes a shot.

21:39

Centre by Matthew Lowton, Lewin Nyatanga manages to make a clearance.

20:54

Unfair challenge on Stephen Quinn by Albert Adomah results in a free kick. Direct free kick taken by Stephen Quinn.

20:14

Lee Williamson decides to take the corner short.

20:07

The ball is crossed by Lee Williamson, Jordan Spence gets a block in.

18:46

Unfair challenge on Nick Montgomery by Marvin Elliott results in a free kick. Nick Montgomery takes the free kick.

18:26

The ball is delivered by Stephen Quinn, Close range headed effort by Darius Henderson goes wide of the left-hand post.

18:01

Joe Mattock produces a cross, Darius Henderson takes a shot. Damion Stewart gets a block in.

16:53

The ball is sent over by Albert Adomah, save by Steve Simonsen.

16:15

Lee Williamson takes the inswinging corner, save by David James.

15:42

The ball is delivered by Darius Henderson, clearance made by Damion Stewart.

15:21

Stephen Quinn sends in a cross, clearance made by Kalifa Cisse.

13:05

Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Matthew Lowton by Jordan Spence. Lee Williamson takes the direct free kick.

12:45

Matthew Lowton crosses the ball, Lewin Nyatanga manages to make a clearance.

11:48

Jordan Slew has a volleyed shot. David James makes a comfortable save.

11:20

The ball is crossed by Matthew Lowton, save by David James.

10:46

A cross is delivered by Joe Mattock, Darius Henderson takes a shot. Lewin Nyatanga makes a clearance.

10:29

The ball is sent over by Jordan Spence, save made by Steve Simonsen.

10:09

The assistant referee flags for offside against Jordan Slew. David James restarts play with the free kick.

9:25 Goal scored

Goal - Steve Simonsen - Sheff Utd 0 - 1 Bristol C An own goal is conceded by Steve Simonsen. Sheff Utd 0-1 Bristol City.

8:03

Inswinging corner taken from the left by-line by Brett Pitman.

7:50

Nicky Maynard takes a shot. Save by Steve Simonsen.

7:02

Marvin Elliott sends in a cross, Steve Simonsen makes a save.

6:35

Darius Henderson produces a cross, Stephen Quinn takes a shot. Blocked by Lewin Nyatanga.

5:17

Outswinging corner taken right-footed by Lee Williamson, Header from deep inside the area by Matthew Lowton goes over the bar.

5:10

The ball is sent over by Joe Mattock, Jamie McAllister makes a clearance.

0:45

Jordan Slew takes a shot from long distance which goes wide of the right-hand post.

0:21

The ball is crossed by Stephen Quinn, David James makes a save.

0:00

The game begins.

Live text and data provided by The Press Association