Billy Sharp has now matched the goal tally of last season's leading Championship scorer Matej Vydra with 21.

Not bad going seeing as it's still only 8 February!

What now then from Villa?

Will the nature of that second goal have completely knocked the stuffing out of the hosts?

Gary Madine nearly in again for Sheffield United but Tommy Elphick is across to make the block inside Villa's area.

That seems to have woken a few up in the home section.

Oliver Norwood penalised for a foul on Mile Jedinak.

Villa want to get on with it with a quick free-kick but referee Tony Harrington holds them up for moving ball.

Tetchy. In the crowd and on the pitch.

Speculative from Gary Madine as he takes aim with a shot from outside the Villa penalty area.

Easy gather for Lovre Kalinic that one.

This game needs a bit of a spark from the hosts you feel to get the crowd going.

Villa are attacking the Holte End, as is tradition, in the second half. They need a bit more energy to rouse those in that stand though.

And we're back up and running.

Are Sheffield United heading to the top of the Championship tonight or have Villa got other ideas?

Norwich host Ipswich this weekend in "The Old Farm Derby" (East Anglian Derby in my book).

But can you identify what other meetings of close neighbours are otherwise referred to by taking our specially-compiled quiz?

I got a 9/10 earlier thanks to some of the handy clues....

Image source, Getty Images

You've probably heard the phrase 'have boots will travel' about players looking for a game.

Birmingham City goalkeeper David Stockdale might consider offering his services with the slogan 'have gloves will travel' after going on his third emergency loan of the season.

Stockdale has joined Coventry on a seven-day deal after both their first-team keepers picked up injuries.

He has previously had spells at Wycombe and Southend.

Just when you thought you'd heard the last of Leeds United and their staff members' exploits outside the training grounds of other Championship clubs, think again.

EFL bosses have been discussing the matter today and looks like they want to find out more before making a full judgement...

Unmistakable Murmurs of Discontent sounds like the kind of band John Peel would have playing live in session on his late-night Radio 1 show of yesteryear....

Anyway, it's the flavour of the unsettled vibe in the second city this evening so far.

Second half on the way shortly, what will Dean Smith be putting across to his players in the changing room at the break?

Ged Scott
BBC Sport at Villa Park

Unmistakable murmurs of discontent around Villa Park.

The locals saw tonight’s game as a real chance for their team to get right back into the promotion picture.

Instead, although Villa have at least looked brighter as the half has gone on after being swamped in the opening exchanges, the home supporters have had to sit there and witness the Blades showing just why their lofty place in the league table is no fluke.

And, in the battle of the Championship’s two top marksmen, at the break, it’s 1-0 to Billy Sharp!

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, Rex Features

And that's your half-time whistle.

Billy Sharp's 20th league goal of the season the difference between the two sides at the break.

Bit of danger for Sheffield United as they eventually get it clear.

Mile Jedinak's decent ball from the right and eventually John Egan makes up for Chris Basham's rather tentative header.

Two minutes added on at the end of the first half.

Postpublished at 43 mins

43 mins

Aston Villa 0-1 Sheffield United

Dean Henderson claims the ball in the air from that free-kick and also clatters into his team-mate Jack O'Connell at the same time.

Everyone's OK though I'm pleased to say.

First card of the night goes to Sheffield United's Chris Basham for a late challenge on John McGinn.

That'll see him miss a game as a result.

Conor Hourihane tries to feed in a low cross towards the penalty spot for Villa, but nobody else in claret and blue is on his wavelength.

Dean Henderson dives on the ball to smother with both hands.

Enda Stevens and George Baldock both covering a fair few blades of grass on both wings for the Blades.

Incredible gas from the pair of wing backs.