Sheffield United ensured that Notts County would stay below them in the League One table by striking late to deny their playoff rivals victory this evening.
Jamie Murphy cancelled out a first-half goal from Mike Edwards in a 1-1 draw at Bramall Lane which keeps the two sides separated by one point in the standings.
It was the Blades who had the early chances as Murphy's deflected shot went wide and Jay McEveley headed straight at Notts goalkeeper Roy Carroll from a corner.
A set-piece situation provided the Magpies with their 31st-minute opener as Edwards nodded home for his first goal since rejoining the club on a free transfer in August.
United penned the visitors back in their own half, but had few clear opportunities as they searched for an equaliser as Jose Baxter blasted over from range and Michael Higdon miscued a header.
Their push continued as Carroll saved from former Notts winger Jamal Campbell-Ryce and Chris Basham, but it was the Magpies who had the best chance as Stephen McLaughlin squandered a one-on-one.
That miss would prove to be costly when Nigel Clough's team finally made the most of their territory on 76 minutes, with Murphy meeting a Baxter cross from close range to earn United a deserved point.
Joe Fish
