Sheffield United 2-0 Burton Albion

David Brooks puts Sheffield United 2-0 ahead against Burton Albion

Sheffield United closed the gap on the Championship play-off places to two points with victory over Burton Albion.

Enda Stevens put the hosts ahead when he converted George Baldock's low cross, but Burton were unfortunate not to be level at half-time.

Hope Akpan saw his flick at the near post deflect wide and Jamal Blackman saved superbly from Lloyd Dyer.

Billy Sharp blazed wide with the goal gaping before Mark Duffy set up David Brooks to seal the win for the Blades.

Burton are now three points from safety after Barnsley picked up a point at home to Norwich City. Nigel Clough's side have won only once in the past 11 Championship matches and next have a tough trip to leaders Wolves on Saturday.

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The Blades, who had failed two score in their previous two matches against Fulham and Ipswich, went ahead through Stevens' first goal of the season, while Burton went close through Akpan and Dyer in the final two minutes of the first half.

Burton were guilty of more missed chances with former England striker Darren Bent heading wide at the back post, before second-half substitute Brooks slid-in a second for the hosts.

Brewers keeper Stephen Bywater produced a fantastic save to keep out John Fleck's free-kick as the Blades secured their first home win over Burton in four attempts.

Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder:

"It was a tough game. It was important that we got the first goal but they were always in the game. We struggled to break them down and find the killer pass. Credit to the opposition because they were stubborn.

"They'll take points off people between now and the end of the season and I wouldn't be surprised if they get enough points to stay up because of the pressure on other clubs around them.

"Fortunately for us, we took our chances and won the game. I thought we started the second half really well and upped the tempo a bit. We never really felt out of sight until the last 15-20 minutes."

Burton manager Nigel Clough:

"We played well, created chances and missed chances. We gave a poor goal away. In the key moments, in both penalty areas, they were better than us. They have the players who will punish you.

"All the chances we created came from good play. We can set them up but the one thing we can't do is put the ball in the net. That's the difference between the two teams.

"We're just hanging in there and hoping to be in with a shout in the last few games of the season. We'll keep battling and we'll keep playing."