Sheffield United edged past struggling Stoke City in a hard-fought Sky Bet Championship clash, leaving the Potters just four points above the relegation zone.

The Blades, whose automatic promotion hopes ended after Monday’s defeat at Burnley, took the lead before half-time when Stoke substitute Bosun Lawal inadvertently headed Rhian Brewster’s corner into his own net.

Stoke pushed for an equaliser late on, with Ali Al-Hamadi forcing a sharp save from goalkeeper Michael Cooper. But Sheffield United substitute Andre Brooks sealed the win with his first touch shortly after coming on.

Having already secured third place, the Blades rested key players Gus Hamer and Ben Brereton Díaz ahead of the play-offs, where they’ll hope to end their promotion hoodoo.

Meanwhile, Stoke remain precariously placed, hovering just above the drop ahead of Saturday’s fixtures.

Sheffield United edge past Stoke in tense Championship clash

Sheffield United edge past Stoke in tense Championship clash