NORTH End hit back three times to give fans something to talk about on the last day of the season -- dashing United's play-off hopes in the process, writes DAVID HIGGERSON.

The Blades took the lead three times, with Andy Gray scoring twice, but they could not hold on and now face another season in Division One after a disastrous run of form saw them tumble from a seemingly impregnable third position.

The visitors took a vital lead in the 21st minute when Phil Jagielka headed Rob Kozluk's pinpoint cross from the right low past the stranded keeper with the Preston defence leaden-footed.

However, just three minutes later Graham Alexander levelled with a thunderous drive from 25 yards which flew past goalkeeper Paddy Kenny and high into his left-hand corner.

Out of nowhere, Gray put the Blades back into the lead when he hit a fierce right-foot volley past the goalkeeper from a tight angle on the left of the area.

David Healy brought Preston level with a beautifully-placed 25-yard free-kick from the left of the area which went past Kenny's despairing dive in the 54th minute and nestled in the corner of the net.

Gray restored the lead after 72 minutes when he calmly slotted home from close range.

Preston were back on level terms when Ricardo Fuller nodded home from a tight angle Healy cross.

Craig Brown now faces the task of deciding which of his six out-of-contract players he wants to keep.

He knows his team need to do better next season.

He said: "That game summed up the season. A curate's egg - good and bad. More good to be seen in terms of the future but the game just about encapsulated the season.

"Conceding goals softly and scoring good goals and missing great chances."

PRESTON... 3

SHEFFIELD ... 3