Hull midfielder Jackson Irvine is walking a tightrope after another foul, this time on Enda Stevens.

Ola Aina heads the resulting free-kick from Lee Evans clear of danger.

Hull have been enjoying more of the possession inside the Sheffield United half but they are unable to test Jamal Blackman.

Jarrod Bowen can't direct a volley goalwards, while Blades midfielder Lee Evans does well to block Seb Larsson's effort.

Image source, Rex Features

The Hull City fan protests have died down for the time being.

But this was the scene in the 20th minute when sponge balls rained down on the pitch, halting play for a couple of minutes.

Sheffield United are just starting to find their groove.

Centre-half Chris Basham gets forward to good effect again and drives to the byline only to pick out the gloves of Allan McGregor with his cross.

That's better!

Chris Basham wins a header in the Hull box and finds George Baldock, whose left-foot shot forces a save out of home keeper Allan McGregor.

Right on cue, the Hull City fans begin another protest, this time blowing whistles as loud as they can.

There's more action in the stands than there is on the pitch at the moment.

Image source, Rex Features

There's been no flow to the game since the resumption following the protest when sponge balls were thrown on to the pitch.

There were chances before that, with Nouha Dicko's shot flying the wrong side of the post.

Image source, Rex Features

We're back under way after that sponge ball protest. The Hull fans are also creating a racket by blowing whistles and further protests are likely during the evening.

The break in play won't do Hull any favours as they were growing into the game.

However, it gave Sheffield United's last two managers - Nigel Adkins and present incumbent Chris Wilder - to catch up.

The 20th minute brings a break in play as Hull fans, whose club was formed in 1904, throw sponge balls on to the pitch in protest against the Allam family who own the club.

We may be a while here while the balls are cleared off the pitch.

Image source, Rex Features

There are a lot of empty seats at the KCOM Stadium this evening, but those supporters who are here certainly gave the retired Ryan Mason a good send-off.

How they could now do with one of those chances to go in as they seek only a win to give them some breathing space above the relegation zone.

Hull midfielder Jackson Irvine belatedly goes into the book for a late challenge on Chris Basham, after referee Simon Hooper had waved play on.

Tigers striker Nouha Dicko then tries his luck with an improbable effort from range which sails well over.

Image source, Rex Features

That's a cheeky free-kick from Seb Larsson!

Hull's Swedish midfielder tries his luck from fully 30 yards or more when a ball into the box seemed more likely and sees his effort bounce just a yard wide of the near post.

Blades keeper Jamal Blackman breathes a sigh of relief.

It's been a bright opening but Ryan Leonard won't want to see that again.

The Sheffield United midfielder hopelessly slices a shot wide from 25 yards when he had the chance to play in George Baldock, who was flying forward from right wing-back.

Sheffield United respond immediately as John Fleck tries his luck from distance but sees his shot fly straight into Hull keeper Allan McGregor's midriff.

The first openings of the game fall to the hosts.

Sheffield United goalkeeper Jamal Blackman does well to first save Evandro's drive with his legs, before Nouha Dicko hooks a shot into the side-netting.

At one end Hull see a Ola Aina cross easily cleared by the Sheffield United then at the other John Fleck wins the Blades the first corner of the game.

Lee Evans' delivery is decent but there's no one there to capitalise.

Sheffield United have started on the front foot and win a couple of early throws deep in Hull territory.

But when they do get the chance to throw the ball into the box via a Lee Evans free-kick, referee Simon Hooper spots a foul by a Blade.

With Sheffield United aiming to climb back into the top six this evening, we want to know who you think will make the play-offs.

As it stands Cardiff, Aston Villa and Derby County all look certain to claim a play-off spot if they don't secure automatic promotion.

But who will join them? Is there anyone you think will make a late run? Let us know at #bbcefl.

The pre-match light show is done, the teams are out and it's time for the football to begin.

Hull City striker Nouha Dicko gets us under way.

Image source, Rex Features

With the team fourth from bottom of the Championship, it's no surprise that the Hull fans aren't happy.

But the problems run much deeper than that.

There has been another protest against the Allam family, who own the club, before this evening's game.

Their tenure has been riddled with controversy, but vice-chairman Ehab Allam attempted to address some of this issues in this recent interview with BBC Radio Humberside.