Sheffield United manager Nigel Clough gave his reaction to his side's home defeat to Swindon in the first leg of the League One play-offs. Sheffield United manager Nigel Clough gave his reaction to his side's home defeat to Swindon in the first leg of the League One play-offs.

Nigel Clough was left reeling by a string of refereeing decisions he felt cost Sheffield United in their League One play-off semi-final first-leg defeat to Swindon Town on Thursday.

The Blades slipped to their first home defeat to the Robins in 45 years as Sam Ricketts and Nathan Byrne’s stoppage time strike cancelled out Kieron Freeman’s opener for the hosts at Bramall Lane.

Referee Darren Bond took centre-stage on a number of occasions, refusing United a penalty after Nathan Thompson’s apparent handball, and awarding Swindon a spot-kick midway through the first half.

Clough was not impressed by the official’s performance, as he told Sky Sports: “We should have had three penalties during the game, so to concede one is a little bit galling to say the least.

Swindon will take a slender lead into their play-off semi-final second leg with Sheffield United after a 2-1 win at Bramall Lane. Swindon will take a slender lead into their play-off semi-final second leg with Sheffield United after a 2-1 win at Bramall Lane.

“There were three penalty appeals; the handball and then the two-footed challenge on Ryan Flynn in the second half are the most obvious ones.

“Add to that Matt Done’s disallowed goal and there are four major decisions that have gone against us tonight.

“It’s just a shame when referee’s decisions decide the game between two very good teams because it was a cracking game tonight. It shouldn’t be decided by refereeing decisions.

Having started the better of the two teams but failed to capitalise on their dominance, the Blades allowed Mark Cooper’s side back into game at the start of the second half.

Clough was left to rue a number of spurned opportunities, but was adamant his side were capable of overturn the first-leg deficit to reach the final at Wembley.

“I thought we deserved more than the one goal at half time,” he added. “We were certainly on top in the first half.

“If we got that penalty decision earlier for an absolute blatant handball you never know, we might have gone on to win the game.

“I’m delighted with the way we played and certainly the effort that has gone in tonight. A brilliant amount of effort has gone in all over the pitch and we were unlucky to come out losing the game.

"But we’re still in the tie, that’s for certain. It’s going to be a tight one, we cannot afford to concede a goal.

“But, the main thing is we are still in it. We are more than capable of going there and getting a result.”

Watch the second leg live on Sky Sports 2 on Monday - coverage starts at 7:30pm.