Rhian Brewster's goal was only his second since October 2022
Sheffield United returned to the top of the Championship as they came from behind to claim a 2-1 victory over 10-man Swansea City.
Swansea were the better side in the first half, taking an early lead through Florian Bianchini's header and threatening to stretch their advantage as the Blades were made to suffer.
But Chris Wilder's team equalised right at the start of the second period through a sharp finish from former Swan Rhian Brewster.
Harry Darling was then shown a straight red card for a mistimed, heavy challenge on Brewster, leaving Swansea a player light for the final 40 minutes.
Though the hosts competed admirably despite the numerical disadvantage, Harrison Burrows struck the winner from the penalty spot after Josh Key brought down Tyrese Campbell.
United leapfrog Leeds – who play on Wednesday – to retake the lead in the race for promotion to the Premier League.
Swansea are sliding down the table having taken only one point from four league games since the turn of the year, though Luke Williams could take heart from a much-improved performance after their weekend humbling at Cardiff City.
Swansea's desire to deliver a response after defeat in he derby was evident from the outset, with Liam Cullen missing a chance to open the scoring even before Matt Grimes' free-kick brought the goal.
After Ben Cabango's initial header was parried by Michael Cooper, Bianchini was on hand to nod into the empty net.
Harry Darling's red card was the first of his Swansea career
United's first-half performance lacked menace, illustrating perhaps why Wilder has re-signed Ben Brereton Diaz - who featured as a substitute - and is also chasing Tom Cannon.
Swansea might have doubled their lead, with Myles Peart-Harris denied by Cooper having stayed on his feet despite a tug on the arm from Rhys Norrington-Davies which could have brought a penalty and a second yellow card for the Wales defender.
Cullen also went close again before the tide of the contest turned.
After Bianchini was dispossessed too easily on the touchline, Femi Seriki - one of three half-time United substitutes - crossed from the right and the ball ricocheted to Brewster, who finished emphatically from around 12 yards.
Within three minutes Darling was dismissed after catching Brewster near the halfway line, and with that United sniffed victory.
Sam McCallum wasted a golden chance to put the visitors ahead, shooting over with the goal at his mercy, before Hamer's ball over the top led to the spot-kick.
After losing the flight of the ball for a moment, Key stuck out a leg and upended Campbell, another of the players introduced at the break.
Burrows drilled home a second penalty in as many games and, despite a spirited effort by Swansea, United held on for their third straight league win.
Swansea head coach Luke Williams:
"I felt like in the first half we were definitely the better team. Leeds are the only team comparable to this level of opposition in the Championship so I was really pleased with the response [after Cardiff], but ultimately it's really disappointing to not come away with any points.
"We created good chances. I think we had a good penalty appeal. I think [Myles Peart-Harris] is honest and he is punished for being honest.
"We could probably extend our lead in the first half, then they started really brightly in the second half.
"I think with everybody on the pitch we have a great chance to get a point at least. Having one less player for 40 minutes against Sheffield United is tough. Personally I don't think it's a red card."
Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder:
"We were miles off it in the first half. They were by far the better team in every department. We were just delighted we were not out of sight at half-time.
"We needed more energy. We got the early goal in the second half which gave us some energy and some drive and then it was game on.
"I know the locals will possibly be looking at the referee's decision [over the red card]. I will say it as I saw it. I don't think he went to do him, it was just a mistimed and a reckless challenge. Fortunately Rhian is all right.
"That turned the game in our favour. Then we got the penalty and we missed a couple of good chances, but we found a way to win against a spirited team."
