Sheffield United 1-0 Hull City: Blades keep pressure on Burnley at Championship summit

Second-placed Sheffield United maintained the pressure on Championship leaders Burnley by beating Hull City in a hard-fought contest at Bramall Lane.

Promotion-chasing United’s dazzling form has now produced seven wins during an eight-game unbeaten league run.

Hull substitute Benjamin Tetteh saw red as his side chased a late reply.

Visiting goalkeeper Matt Ingram thwarted Jayden Bogle twice and the lively Sander Berge, although Hull occasionally threatened to preserve their own sequence of six games without defeat in the Championship.

The dangerous Oscar Estupinan went closest when goalkeeper Wes Foderingham and defender John Egan intervened alertly either side of half-time to prevent the Colombia international from seizing on scoring opportunities at close range.

An entertaining first half gave way to a considerably less eventful spectacle after the break as the hosts held Liam Rosenior’s side at arm’s length to see out a fourth successive home win.

On-loan Brighton striker Aaron Connolly toiled on his full debut for a Tigers side suffering from a lack of cutting edge, sending in a solitary shot on target despite pressing in the closing stages.

Hull’s hopes sank further when striker Tetteh was sent off for headbutting Oli McBurnie in the 84th minute, having been brought on 22 minutes earlier.

The win increases United’s comfort in the promotion places with the Clarets, whose game against West Bromwich Albion – 13 points shy of second spot before the Friday evening action began – kicked off 15 minutes later at Turf Moor.

Hull remain eight points from both the relegation zone and the play-off places after suffering their first Championship defeat since 12 November.

Reaction to follow.