Sheffield United 0-2 Burnley: Clarets close gap on Blades

Burnley moved to within a point of Championship leaders Sheffield United by beating them at Bramall Lane.

Goals from captain Josh Brownhill and Zian Flemming either side of half-time were enough for Scott Parker’s side.

In the meeting of the English Football League’s two meanest defences, being clinical was key, and the Blades struggled to find their form in front of goal.

They dominated large parts of the game but suffered their first home league defeat of the season.

It was a cagey first half and chances were at a premium, but United’s pressing gave them the early upper hand, pinning Burnley back.

The visitors were looking to strike on the counter-attack, though, getting the ball out wide quickly whenever they got the chance. It soon paid off.

Burnley took the lead through Brownhill, who headed in his third goal in as many games – at the back post from Bashir Humphreys’ cross.

Eight minutes after the restart, their lead was doubled.

After Flemming hit the wall with a free-kick, his strike on the rebound was deflected high into the net to stunt what had been a purposeful start to the second half by United.

Burnley continued to soak up pressure and threaten on the break.

Starting Rhian Brewster up front with Kieffer Moore had not worked for Blades boss Chris Wilder, and he made changes in an attempt to force a way into the game.

Though Wilder’s substitutes Tom Davies and Anel Ahmedhodzic went close, Burnley keeper James Trafford was able to celebrate a festive clean sheet, while United’s misery was compounded by defender Harry Souttar limping off late on.