Anel Ahmedhodzic struck Sheffield United’s equaliser as Blackburn fell short in their Sky Bet Championship play-off bid with a 1-1 draw at Bramall Lane.
Yuki Ohashi gave Blackburn a second-half lead and briefly lifted them into the top six before Ahmedhodzic levelled it up nine minutes later to deny the visitors victory, which would have sealed a play-off place.
Blackburn needed a win and for other results to go their way, while the Blades were already assured of third spot and made seven changes after last week’s win at Stoke.
Rovers, seven points adrift of the top six before a 13-point haul from their previous five matches catapulted them back into contention, were one of five clubs with play-off hopes going into the final day.
But they had to do some early defending. Blades striker Tom Cannon forced Balazs Toth into a low save and Gus Hamer somehow steered Andre Brooks’ cross off-target from in front of goal.
Rovers’ only first-half chance fell to defender Callum Brittain, whose curling cross-shot was tipped over by Adam Davies, while Toth was in action again before the break, keeping out Callum O’Hare’s effort.
But the visitors made a flying start to the second period, with Ohashi firing low beyond Davies from Brittain’s pass inside the penalty area to send the away end into raptures.
That goal lifted Blackburn up to sixth with 40 minutes remaining.
Ohashi lashed another effort over soon after, but Rovers’ lead lasted just nine minutes as Ahmedhodzic stabbed home following Rob Holding’s header back across goal.
The equaliser appeared to take the bounce out of Blackburn’s stride and Sydie Peck’s deflected shot was well-saved by Toth.
Rovers midfielder Tyrhys Dolan’s drive was held at the second attempt by Davies at the other end before Cannon spurned a golden chance for the Blades, firing over from five yards after being teed up by O’Hare.
Toth pulled off another excellent save from O’Hare in the closing stages before Rovers’ last chance fell to substitute Emmanuel Dennis, who made a hash of his header from a corner.
Rovers had to settle for seventh place, two points behind Bristol City, who will face the Blades in the first leg of their play-off semi-final on Thursday.
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