Just champion: Sheffield United declare on century to launch promotion party for Chris Wilder's troops

You have to go back a long time between drinks for the only other occasion that a Yorkshire side had achieved that magnificent and rare accomplishment of 100 points in a season, with York City clinching that sweet milestone under the leadership of Denis Smith in 1983-84.

They are now joined in White Rose sporting folklore by Chris Wilder’s similarly indomitable Blades, who joyously drunk in some wonderful post-match scenes in front of a bumper crowd of over 31,000 fans.

The intoxicating images, crowned by the sight of captain Billy Sharp lifting the League One title to an adoring audience, were in marked contrast to the toxic end to the previous season when the home players received a barrage of rebuke and scorn from many supporters on their post-match lap of ‘honour’, which amounted to a walk of shame.

Those scenes were shown to players ahead of the game as a pre-match motivational tool and a year on and the pictures could not have been more contrasting.

Whereas Nigel Adkins had spoken about the ‘Bladeacoaster’ at Bramall Lane in reference to the club’s fluctuating time in League One, juggernaut is the only term to describe the club’s experiences under his successor.

Not that a thirtieth league win of a campaign, which will be fondly remembered for decades by Unitedites under the command of ‘one of their own’ in Wilder, was entirely straightforward.

But the Blades proved unwavering in their resolve and found a way for the umpteenth time this year with a late goal from Daniel Lafferty enabling the hosts to guild their majestic season.

A century of points proved appropriate in a year when records have tumbled with regularity.

Added gloss was provided by the sight of the Blades’ on-pitch leader in Sharp becoming the first United player to score 30 league goals in a season since Keith Edwards in 1983-84 and just the second since World War Two. It has been one of those seasons..

Wilder, who revealed that he gave his side a half-time rollicking to engineer a response on the restart said: “Today was a special, special day in the history of this football club. To win the championship is fantastic and to win it in the way and manner we have done it with 100 points makes me ever so proud.

“We have stuck ourselves in the history books of Sheffield United and that cannot be underrated or overlooked.

“I am delighted for Kevin (McCabe) and the Prince (Abdullah). Especially Kevin because he has had a tough old go at it for a number of years. He has taken some stick in certain quarters and I would like to think that days like this justify his involvement at the club.”

The contrast in pre-match mood between both neighbours could not have been more stark.

Whereas Chesterfield arrived in a bereft state following a punishing run of one win in 10 games – the Blades were in a remorseless run of form which had seen them win their last six matches and go 16 games unbeaten.

Those figures hinted at a stroll, but to their credit, the spirited Spireites plainly did not come to get their bellies tickled.

They had their moments, particularly in the first half and were decent value for their leveller just before the break from Kristian Dennis, who coolly netted from the spot after Simon Moore’s rash challenge on Reece Mitchell.

Earlier, Dennis had gone close with two presentable chances, but it was the Blades who took their moment when it arrived.

Kieron Freeman bundled in his 11th goal of an outstanding season after Thorsten Stuckmann had kept out Paul Coutts’s angled drive and Tom Anderson had blocked Sharp’s follow-up.

Sharp, went close to a second with a fine finger-tip save from Stuckmann diverting his effort onto the post, but you sensed that that he would not be denied.

Chesterfield’s leveller provided some food for thought, but the impression that the Blades would get over the line on their big day was inescapable.

More pluck from the visitors saw Liam Grimshaw go close, but Sharp stole the show with a clinical header from substitute Samir Carruthers’ fine cross.

A second surprise leveller from Chesterfield, with Paul McGinn coolly firing the ball low past Moore after Freeman did well to block Mitchell’s shot, threatened to spoil the party again, but the Blades stayed on message.

Dan Gardner was soon dismissed after a flare-up with Sharp when the game restarted and the hosts had their moment when Lafferty struck late on.

Reflecting on a special season and the contrast with last year’s finale, Sharp added: “We got played a video before the game about how it was on the final day of the season last year. I was angry, upset and frustrated.

“We let the fans down. It should not have taken six years for this club to get out.

“I got promoted five years ago with Southampton but, to do it here, tops that. I am a Sheffield United fan and I am just so, so, happy.

“I am happy to do it with these team-mates as well because they are the best I have had.”