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2019-20 English Premier League
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Reuters 4y

Sheffield United beat Brighton to close in on top four

Oliver McBurnie scored the only goal of the game as Sheffield United extended their superb unbeaten away record in this season's Premier League with a 1-0 win over Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday.

The visitors had already had a goal ruled out by VAR when McBurnie exploited indecision in the Brighton defence to take control of a long ball and lash home the winner midway through the first half.

After a toothless first-half performance, Brighton boss Graham Potter made a double substitution at half-time, introducing Aaron Connolly for Leandro Trossard and Glenn Murray for Pascal Gross.

But it was David McGoldrick who almost made it 2-0 early in the second half, snapping up another poor header and rounding the goalkeeper before shooting into the side netting with the goal at his mercy.

Brighton's attacking fortunes improved slightly in the second half as the rain poured down, with teenage striker Connolly proving a handful with his quick feet and direct style, but the home team could not force an equaliser.

"We didn't play well today," Potter said. "They made it difficult for us and we weren't as good as we'd like to be.

"Sheffield United did what they did well. First half they were better than us and deservedly it was 1-0."

The result marked United's third win in a row in the league and lifted the Blades to fifth in the table on 28 points, one behind Chelsea, who play Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday. Brighton remain in 13th on 20 points.

United boss Chris Wilder said he was pleased with his side's performance, but was not sure their good run of away form could continue much longer.

"We did a job on them, should have had more possession, but we had the better chances on the counter-attack and we're delighted to keep the away run going," he said. "But the next two [away games] are at Manchester City and Liverpool."

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