Goals from Josh Brownhill and Zian Flemming earned Burnley a 2-0 victory at leaders Sheffield United and moved them to within a point of their opponents.

An early shot from Clarets midfielder Hannibal Mejbri was comfortably saved by goalkeeper Michael Cooper, and home defender Harry Souttar then had to be alert to cut out a dangerous low cross.

Gustavo Hamer sent an effort on target in the closing stages of the first half but the ball was easily claimed by James Trafford.

Brownhill put Burnley in front two minutes before the interval, stooping to meet Bashir Humphreys’ cross from the left with a far-post header. Cooper got his hand to the ball but could not keep it out.

The Blades’ line-up showed a change at the start of the second half, with Tom Davies sent on in place of Vinicius Souza.

Flemming put the visitors further ahead in the 53rd minute when his free-kick struck the defensive wall but rebounded to him and his deflected shot beat Cooper.

Sheffield United made two changes midway through the second half, with Anel Ahmedhodzic and Andre Brooks coming on for Alfie Gilchrist and Rhian Brewster.

As the hosts looked to try and pull a goal back, Davies failed to get the power and direction required to test Trafford from a free-kick.

Another attack from the home side saw Trafford punch away a cross and the ball fell to Ahmedhodzic, who blasted his shot wide from the edge of the area.

Another double substitution was made by Chris Wilder to try and bring about a change in fortunes, with Ryan One and Sam McCallum taking over from Callum O’Hare and Harrison Burrows.

Burnley also made substitutions, with John Egan and Lyle Foster entering the fray five minutes from time as Mejbri and Flemming made way.

Sheffield United finished the game a man down as Souttar had to be helped from the pitch after sustaining an injury.

Jaiden Anthony had the chance to add a third goal when he found himself through on goal following a strong run but Cooper stood up well to make the save.

The win extends Burnley’s unbeaten run to 10 games, while it was the Blades’ first home defeat of the season as they endured a disappointing start under their new owners.