Sheffield United 3-0 Swansea City: Berge, Robinson and McBurnie strike in comfortable win

Jack Robinson celebrates his second goal of the season

Sheffield United stretched their unbeaten Championship run to 10 games thanks to a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Swansea City.

Sander Berge's precise finish put United in front and Jack Robinson lashed in the second on the rebound after Ollie Norwood hit the bar.

Oli McBurnie tapped in a late third to complete a bleak day for his old club.

The second-placed Blades' fifth straight home league win means they stay 10 points clear of third.

A second successive defeat for Swansea leaves them 15th, with hopes of a play-off push fading fast after a miserable January transfer window and a run of only two victories in 14 Championship games.

But the outlook remains very bright for United, with Paul Heckingbottom's team taking a step closer to automatic promotion in comfortable fashion.

They did not have things their own way in the opening stages, with Swansea starting brightly and carving the first chance thanks to Jay Fulton's fine pass.

Olivier Ntcham helped the ball on to Joel Piroe, whose crisp half-volley was clawed to safety by Wes Foderingham.

Yet it was the hosts who went in front through their first meaningful attack as they took advantage of some weak Swansea defending.

After Ryan Manning failed to deal with a ball down Swansea's left, James McAtee squared for Berge and the Norwegian finished with class, passing the ball low into the bottom corner from 20 yards.

Swansea lost their composure, with Andy Fisher's reaction save denying United skipper Billy Sharp a quickfire second goal after appeals for a foul on Ntcham were ignored.

That decision was one of a number which prompted a reaction on the Swansea bench, with head coach Russell Martin eventually booked for complaining.

Russell Martin was booked for complaining about referee Matthew Donohue's decisions after 31 minutes

Martin's mood darkened further just before the break when Norwood's dipping free-kick crashed back off the woodwork and Robinson latched on to the rebound, drilling the ball home from 12 yards.

A United side with the best defensive record in the division were rarely troubled after the break, although one slick Swansea move ended with Piroe teeing up Ollie Cooper for a shot which was parried by Foderingham.

Robinson then volleyed against a post and John Egan's header was saved by the diving Fisher before Fulton and Robinson grappled at a corner, prompting a melee which could see both clubs fined.

Swansea were already beaten by the time McBurnie rubbed salt in their wounds, the Scotland international touching in his 11th goal of the season after Jayden Bogle's fine footwork opened the visitors up.

Sheffield United manager Paul Heckingbottom:

"There's not too much I can criticise about that really. We prepared for what Swansea put in front of you and we know we have to fully commit to that performance then, and we did. It's a big pat on the back to the players.

"The goals were good, all of them. The first one is a really composed finish. Second one Robbo (Jack Robinson) reacts quickest, a brave finish, and the third one Jadon wins the ball back and he is direct and then shows composure to get the ball across the six-yard box.

"We are not talking about [promotion]. That's our goal but it's 16 games away and we are focused on what we have to do to achieve it.

"If we get things right like we are at the minute, we will hopefully accumulate enough points."

Swansea head coach Russell Martin:

"We started the game really, really well. For 20 minutes, we quietened the crowd down, had loads of the ball. We didn't make as much of it as we should but looked a real threat.

"Then we concede a goal out of nowhere the first time they get near the goal. We have a better chance with Ollie Cooper in the second half and we don't score, but he is a top player at the level, Sander Berge.

"It comes from a loopy ball on the touchline we don't deal with. It's another moment - we have spoken about managing those moments. It's cost us today - we have two goals that do that today.

"The second goal was really poor - we have so many players in the box but they react quicker. Second half we had a good 15-minute spell but we just didn't have the conviction or belief. The third goal is unacceptable.

"We should clear the ball or take the ball and then we have three guys in the middle of the box walking back, that's the stuff that's really hurt us. It's inexcusable and it's happened too many times."