'Gutted but proud' - Sheffield United fans react after play-off penalty shootout heartache

Sheffield United’s dream of an immediate return to the Premier League has come to an end after an agonising defeat on penalties to Nottingham Forest. The Blades overcame a 2-1 first leg deficit, and 1-0 first half lead at the City Ground, to come from behind and take it all the way to a penalty shootout.

Goals from Morgan Gibbs-White and John Fleck cancelled out Brennan Johnson’s opener inside the opening 20 minutes, but the shootout turned out to be a step too far for Paul Heckingbottom’s side. Ollie Norwood, Conor Hourihane and Gibbs-White were the unfortunate men to miss for the Blades, as they were defeated 3-2.

Here is how Blades fans have reacted to the unfortunate semi-final exit.

READ MORE: Sheffield United player ratings: Gallant effort but Blades suffer penalty heartbreak

“Unlucky lads you did us proud tonight! We may have lost but you put on a performance coming back from 3-1 down at one point to 3-3. Unfortunately we didn’t win on penalties but we put in the effort.”

“Went out with our heads held high, onto next season Blades.”

“Gutted but proud. The fight to come back and take it to penalties, not to be but absolutely loads to build on for next season. Unlucky Blades.”

“We weren’t ready either way tbh. One more season of developing and I think we will be solid.”

“Hard luck lads, best side on the night. Top two next season.”

“No first team strikers available. Wrote off in the first leg. Thank you Hecky and all the players, tremendous effort.”

“Well done Blades! Keep your heads up! We beat them on their ground and we were clearly the better team. Let’s go again next season!!”

“Proud of the lads! Fought to the end, we go again Blayards.”