- Sheffield United hosted West Bromwich Albion in the Sky Bet Championship on Wednesday night
- Sheffield needed a win to secure a Premier League return with promotion from Championship
- Goals from Sander Berge and Anel Ahmedhodzic sealed a happy return to the PL for Sheffield
Sheffield United defeated West Brom 2-0 in the Sky Bet Championship at Bramall Lane to secure promotion to the Premier League.
Sander Berge and Anel Ahmedhodzic scored in the second half to give the Blades the victory they needed to secure automatic promotion.
With three games remaining, the Blades secured their return to the top division two years and nine days after being demoted. United knew that three points would be enough to get them over the line after Burnley won the title the night before.
Sheffield United manager Paul Heckingbottom made three changes to the team that lost 3-0 to Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-finals, bringing in Tommy Doyle, James McAtee, and Oli McBurnie.
Sheffield United players celebrate after defeating West Brom 2-0 in the Sky Bet Championship, earning a promotion to the Premier League on Wednesday, April 26 2023. | PHOTO: Sky Sports |
West Brom boss Carlos Corberan made one change from the 2-1 loss at home to Sunderland, with Taylor Gardner-Hickman coming into the starting lineup.
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The opening chance came to the visitors when Jed Wallace’s right-wing cross was met by Karlan Grant, but the striker misjudged his header.
Berge attempted a long-distance shot, but it went harmlessly over the goal.
Before Eric Pieters was booked for a risky tackle, Wes Foderingham went down brilliantly to stop Grant’s shot from the edge of the box. Alex Palmer then collected Jack Robinson’s shot with ease.
Wallace was causing more havoc down the right, but Gardner-Hickman was able to save his acrobatic effort. In the final action of the half, Iliman Ndiaye had a penalty appeal turned down.
The home team dominated the second half and took the lead in the 58th minute. United dismantled West Brom’s defence, and Berge could not miss after Ndiaye squared the ball to him.
The Blades had many penalty appeals knocked down as they increased their pressure in pursuit of a second goal, and they could have extended their lead when Berge crossed into John Egan, but he headed wide.
United sealed the victory in the 76th minute when George Baldock’s shot was superbly turned in by defender Ahmedhodzic.
West Brom struggled to provide much after that, and it was celebration time for the home crowd, who can look forward to clashing with English football’s finest next season.
The Baggies remain in ninth place, two points out of the playoffs.
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