Sheffield United 2-0 Brentford: Norwood & McGoldrick help 10-man Blades beat Bees
- Published
Oliver Norwood's first-half penalty put Sheffield United ahead before Gary Madine saw red
Sheffield United kept pace with their Championship promotion rivals despite being down to 10 men for more than half of their home win over Brentford.
The Blades took the lead midway through the first half when Yoann Barbet fouled George Baldock inside the box, allowing Oliver Norwood to strike from the penalty spot.
But Gary Madine saw red with barely half an hour played at Bramall Lane when the striker lunged in from behind on Ezri Konsa.
Brentford had chances to level, with Kamohelo Mokotjo hitting the post, before David McGoldrick's header ensured the points for United.
In all, Thomas Frank's visitors had 29 shots against the third-placed Blades but they were not able to find a way through against a defence which has not conceded a league goal at home since 26 December.
Chris Wilder's side now turn their attention to a Yorkshire derby at Leeds United, who won 3-0 at Reading to go top of the table, with Norwich City hosting Hull City on Wednesday.
But they will do so without Cardiff City loanee Madine, who faces a three-game suspension which will see him miss the game at Elland Road, as well as meetings with Bristol City and Preston.
Defeat for Brentford, who had won back-to-back league matches prior to this result, leaves the London club 14th, six points adrift of the play-off places.
Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder:
"For us to produce a defensive performance like that is really heartening. Brentford are a really good team that move you around, so that [the result] is right up there.
"We are showing signs that we have the characteristics to achieve something. The players gave everything and from a character point of view and the art of defending, that was right up there.
"We've got players who are disciplined and organised and want to keep the ball out of the back of the net.
"We rode our luck a couple of times and the keeper's made some wonderful saves when he's needed to."
Brentford head coach Thomas Frank:
"We could have done better, but I think only a few teams could defend like Sheffield United did tonight in this division.
"Credit to them. They did very well and these three points could be crucial for them. Not only the desire and the mentality, but the tactical adjustments they made as well.
"They're full of confidence and they know they will create chances. They have a style of play that not too many teams have.
"In spells we did not have enough tempo, going through the middle instead of getting around them. It was part of the plan to have more offensive power but we didn't use it enough."