Blades beat Blackpool for fifth straight victory

James McAtee scored Sheffield United's second goal at Bloomfield Road with a stunning individual effort

James McAtee struck a stunning individual goal as Sheffield United claimed their fifth straight win to move level on points with Championship leaders Burnley.

Blackpool responded shortly after when Marvin Ekipteta reduced the deficit, turning in Gary Madine's knockdown.

Madine almost rescued a point in added time, heading over from a corner.

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The Seasiders, who made just one change from the side that drew at Hull on Boxing Day, started brightly and Carey's low drive thudded just wide before Ian Poveda's dipping attempt was clawed on to the bar by Wes Foderingham.

However, the Blades withstood that initial spell of pressure and proceeded to carve out opportunities of their own, with Amel Ahmedhodzic displaying deft control inside the box to spear a shot that deflected fractionally past the post.

In the 18th minute, Jayden Bogle - making his first start in almost three months - found space on the right and worked the ball inside to Iliman Ndiaye, who cut it back for Berge to control and slot into the bottom corner.

Bogle continued to cause problems for the home side, dragging a chance of his own wide before delivering a cross that Blackpool defender James Husband could only slice over his own bar.

Paul Heckingbottom's team looked in total control, extending their lead four minutes into the second half when Carey stumbled and McAtee sped clear on the break before coolly steering a low finish beyond Dan Grimshaw.

But Blackpool spirits were raised six minutes later as Madine nodded back a corner at the far post and Ekpiteta stabbed the ball over the line for his first goal of the season.

Sensing their opportunity, the Seasiders pushed forward again and Carey and Jerry Yates both went close to levelling before Madine headed over late on.

United always looked dangerous on the counter-attack, though, and it needed a tip-over save by Grimshaw to deny them a third after McAtee's backheel teed up Oliver Norwood to fire a shot from distance.

Blackpool, who have gone eight games without a win, slip a place to 23rd in the table, while the Blades are now 11 points clear of Blackburn in third.