Sheffield United responded to the disappointment of missing automatic promotion from the championship with a 2-0 win over Stoke City, who still look over their shoulders.
The 2-1 defeat of the Blades against Burnley on Monday, which was their fourth loss in five games, provided the Clarets and Leeds United both sealed top-two Finishes.
The play-offs are now waiting for the Chris Wilder team, but they brought their frustration to Stoke, while Sam McCallum and Andre Brooks were in the BET365 stadium.
After Femi Seriki and Tyrese Campbell had both left fine calls, McCallum went home in the 38th minute, after the corner of Rhian Brewster caused a scrambling.
Lewis Baker went close to a glorious equalizer just before half -time, but Stoke was largely fainting and was demonstrably happy to keep 11 men on the field when Ben Wilmot brewed brewster from behind.
Ali Al-Hamadi was refused by Michael Cooper with 13 minutes to play and Sheffield United killed the game in the 88th minute, Brooks came off the couch to save a smooth movement with a simple finish.
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While Sheffield United is guaranteed to finish third and has 89 points with one more match, Stoke will remain 17th in the table.
The side of Mark Robins is only four points above the relegation zone, with all their rivals that have a competition in hand, so it can still be a nervous end of the season for them.
Debrief data: Stoke Miss Chance, Blades back on the right track
This was the 17th game in which Stoke did not score this season, with only Plymouth Argyle (19) who did not receive this period in the championship more often.
The potters had won three of their last four Home League matches (one defeat) and another victory here would have confirmed safety, but they are now over to wait for other results.
In the meantime, Sheffield United will have the feeling that they earned this victory thoroughly after collecting 13 shots worth 2.0 expected goals (XG), compared to Stoke's 10 worth 0.73 XG.