Blades win boosts confidence ahead of play-offs
Sheffield United responded to the disappointment of missing out on automatic promotion from the EFL Championship with a 2-0 win over Stoke City, which is still looking over its shoulder at the wrong end of the table.
The Blades' 2-1 defeat to Burnley in midweek, which was its fourth loss in five games, ensured the Clarets and Leeds United both sealed top-two finishes and automatic promotion to the Premier League.
The play-offs now await Chris Wilder's team, but it took out its frustration on the Potters as Sam McCallum and Andre Brooks netted at bet365 Stadium.
After Femi Seriki and Tyrese Campbell both had penalty appeals waved away by Australian referee Jarred Gillett, McCallum headed home in the 38th minute after Rhian Brewster's corner caused a scramble.
Lewis Baker went close to a glorious equaliser just before half-time but Stoke was largely lacklustre and arguably fortunate to keep 11 men on the pitch when Ben Wilmot clattered Brewster from behind.
Ali Al-Hamadi was denied by Michael Cooper with 13 minutes to play and Sheffield United killed the contest in the 88th minute, Brooks coming off the bench to cap a flowing move with a simple finish.
While Sheffield United is guaranteed to finish third and has 89 points with one game remaining, Stoke stays 17th on the table and not yet out of relegation danger.
Mark Robins' side is only four points above the dropzone, with all of its rivals possessing a game in hand, so it could yet be a nervous end to the season for the Potters.
