Nathan Byrne's stoppage-time goal has given Swindon Town the advantage heading into the second leg of their semi-final playoff clash.

They will now play host to Sheffield United at County Ground on Monday night with a 2-1 lead over their visitors, who know that only a victory will do if they are to reach the Wembley final.

Swindon

© Getty Images

When Kieron Freeman volleyed Sheffield United into an early lead at Bramall Lane on Thursday night, those of a Swindon persuasion could have been forgiven for thinking that the writing was on the wall.

After all, the Robins limped into the playoffs, having secured just two victories from their last nine fixtures.

However, Mark Cooper's men responded with the sort of resilience that had been lacking in previous weeks thanks to goals from veteran loanee defender Sam Ricketts and Byrne.

Now, they are just 90 minutes away from the final and a shot at a return to the second tier of English football for the first time since the year 2000.

At home this term, Swindon have avoided defeat in 17 of their 23 outings, a haul which includes 12 victories. Also, their 38 goals scored in front of their own supporters can only be bettered by five teams this season.

Recent form: LDLDDW

Sheff Utd

© Getty Images

Like their hosts, United's form of late has been a cause for concern, with no victories in their previous five outings prior to the first leg.

Yet while Swindon were able to break that sequence of results, the Blades are still looking for a win and if they fail to secure it this time around, they will be playing League One football again next term.

Nigel Clough's men have spent the last four campaigns in the third tier, with this being their third appearance in the playoffs.

On their travels it has been a mixed season for United, who have won nine games, drawn seven and lost seven. While their goal return of 31 from those matches is impressive, 29 conceded suggests that they can also be vulnerable on the road.

Having felt hard done by with regards to some of the referee's decisions during the first leg, Clough has recently admitted that his side will use that sense of injustice to spur them on for this return clash.

Recent form: DLDDDL

Team News

© Getty Images

Illness ruled Jose Baxter out of the first meeting, but Clough will be hopeful that the former Everton youngster will recover to feature at the County Ground.

The 23-year-old has been in positive form this term, with 13 goals to his name from his 42 appearances.

Aside from that, a foot complaint is likely to keep young midfielder Louis Reed on the sidelines, where he could well be joined by John Brayford and Stefan Scougall, who have picked up muscular injuries.

As for Swindon, there must be a big temptation for Cooper to stick with the same players that won in Yorkshire.

There could be one alteration, though, with former Tottenham Hotspur striker Jonathan Obika pushing for a recall in attack.

Swindon possible starting lineup:
Foderingham; Ricketts, Stephens, Thompson, Byrne; Luongo, Rodgers, Gladwin, Toffolo; Smith, Obika

Sheff United possible starting lineup:
Howard; Freeman, Basham, Alcock, Harris; Doyle, Coutts, Baxter, Adams; McNulty, Murphy

Head To Head

There was a time when this was a Premier League fixture, albeit only on two occasions. United won the first of those 3-1 back in August 1993, while the other encounter ended in a goalless draw.

More recently, Swindon hammered United 5-2 at the County Ground last September, with the Red and Whites gaining revenge in January thanks to a Jamie Murphy double.

In total, these sides have met on 35 occasions and it is Swindon that lead the head-to-head record 15-11.

We say: Swindon 2-2 Sheff Utd

Both sides now know exactly what is required for them to reach the final and from United's point of view, they need to attack. They certainly have the firepower to score goals, but pushing more players forward will leave them vulnerable to the counter-attack. There should be goals, with the away side just falling short.

Previews by email