Sheffield United returned to winning ways following back-to-back defeats with a 2-0 victory over Stoke at Bramall Lane.
Goals either side of the break from Kieffer Moore and Tyrese Campbell gave the home side all three points and ended Stoke’s four-match unbeaten run.
Following the defeat at Middlesbrough in midweek, United manager Chris Wilder made three changes.
Vini Souza returned after suspension and there were also recalls for Campbell and Harrison Burrows. One of the changes was enforced, with Gus Hamer suspended, while Sam McCallum and Sydie Peck dropped down to the bench.
The Stoke line-up showed four changes with Wouter Burger, Ashley Phillips, Junior Tchamadeu and Enda Stevens all winning recalls.
A minute’s silence was observed before kick-off in memory of former United player George Baldock, who passed away earlier this month at the age of 31.
The hosts opened the scoring in the 14th minute when Alfie Gilchrist’s low drive was diverted into the net by Moore.
Moore put a header wide and Souza saw his powerful shot well saved by Viktor Johansson as United continued to press early on.
Moore had another chance just after the half-hour mark when he met Burrows’ cross with a stooping header which went over the bar.
Stoke made one change at the break, with Bae Jun-ho taking over from Tom Cannon.
Soon after the restart, Stoke’s Million Manhoef put a free-kick over the defensive wall but Blades keeper Michael Cooper was able to make the save.
Campbell put the home side further ahead in the 50th minute with a shot on the turn, after he received a pass from Jesurun Rak-Sakyi inside the area, which found the net despite Johansson getting a touch to the ball.
Phillips had a chance to pull a goal back after Andrew Moran chipped the ball into the area but he dragged his shot wide.
Johansson came to his side’s rescue with a great save at full stretch, turning Souza’s effort wide.
Cooper had to be equally alert at the other end after Moran intercepted a pass and put Lewis Koumas through on goal, with the keeper making an important save.
Johansson was tested again late on when an Andre Brooks shot was blocked and the ball rebounded to Jamie Shackleton, whose effort was tipped over by the keeper.
On an emotional day for everyone connected with Sheffield United, David Bowie’s ‘Starman’ – the song associated with Baldock – was played as Wilder gathered his players and staff after the final whistle.
They all stood in a circle on the pitch and the late player’s number two shirt was held aloft by some of his former team-mates as they walked round the pitch.
