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It's too Turf at the top as Blades are second best - MATCH REPORT AND SLIDESHOW
Burnley 1, Paterson (23) Sheff Utd 0
SHEFFIELD UNITED might not be the biggest scalp Burnley have claimed at Turf Moor this season.
But, in the context of the Championship's race for promotion, it could certainly be the most significant as Martin Paterson's strike ended the visitors' six-month unbeaten run on the road and left them trailing second-placed Birmingham City by four points with just two matches of an enthralling campaign remaining.
Owen Coyle, who has masterminded victories over Fulham, Arsenal and Tottenham, described last night's win as Burnley's "biggest so far".
But even his theatrical celebrations will have been tame compared to those at St Andrews where City know beating Preston on Saturday will seem them promoted by claiming the second automatic spot.
Kevin Blackwell's side stay third but their hopes of taking the shortest possible route back to the Premier League are now hanging by a thread.
With the United manager choosing to address his charges following the final whistle rather than the Press, it fell to Sam Ellis, his second in command, to reflect upon a performance which saw United match Burnley for endeavour but fall short in terms of ingenuity and invention.
"We are disappointed," Ellis admitted. "We were second best.
"They were better than us, but that happens in football.
"We knew they were good so there's no shame in that, but we're still not happy."
An explosive start, which saw Coyle's men take a deserved 23rd-minute lead, will have made compulsive viewing for the television cameras.
But, from his vantage point on the touchline, Blackwell was concerned enough by the ease of Burnley's progress - particularly down United's left flank - to make his first change after barely a quarter of an hour.
Gary Naysmith, having twice been left trailing in Chris Eagles' wake,
succumbed to injury, leaving Kyle Naughton with the responsibility of marshalling the winger instead.
The youngster, whose performances this season have attracted admiring glances from a host of top-flight clubs, proved a more formidable opponent for Eagles.
But the tactical reshuffle failed to prevent Rhys Williams delivering the cross which Paterson, supposedly struggling with a hamstring problem, emphatically headed home.
United, who had earlier seen Greg Halford and Stephen Quinn go close, responded by applying some intense pressure to Brian Jensen's goal during the closing stages of the first half.
Craig Beattie, one of four changes to Blackwell's starting 11, saw his appeals for a penalty waved away by referee Graham Laws despite Williams appearing to handle before Darius Henderson forced a reflex save.
But, despite their late flurry, United - fortunate to escape a red card when the officials missed Halford treading on Robbie Blake's calf - had still been disappointing.
It was an issue Blackwell clearly addressed during the interval as Halford took advantage of his reprieve to test Clark Carlisle's reactions.
Eagles, though, continued to pose a threat and it was his weaving run which created the opportunity for Chris McCann to shoot and Paddy Kenny to parry from close range.
United came close to snatching an equaliser when substitute Jamie Ward pounced on Henderson's knock down. Carlisle - again - intervened.
Burnley climb to fifth and their manager, Coyle ,said: "To be fair to United, they put the ball in your box with some excellent deliveries.
"But, being honest, I can't remember Brian having too much to do and I don't think anyone, neutral or otherwise, could deny that we were worth it.
"The most important thing was the three points, but we also put in a big performance out there.
"And it was against opponents who are still in with a shout of automatic.
"At this stage of the season anything can happen."
Starting, United hope, in the Midlands at the weekend.
Ellis's View
We're disappointed with the performance. We were second best. They were better than us but that happens in football.
If we can win on Saturday, though, then that keeps the pressure on Birmingham who play later on that evening.
Got a view? Add your comment below.
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Weather for Sheffield
Thursday 24 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 11 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 10 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: East
