Billy Sharp leads from the front as Sheffield United march on

Billy Sharp bagged a brace to seal Sheffield United a 2-0 win over 10-man West Brom and move them one point off the Championship play-off places.

In a crucial contest for the Blades’ top-six prospects, Sharp took his tally to four goals in three games after netting either side of a Jake Livermore 39th-minute red card for dangerous play.

The result also represented a losing start for new boss Steve Bruce with the Baggies having now failed to net for five consecutive away contests, equalling the club’s worst sequence since 1923.

After Chris Basham cleared the crossbar from the edge of the box having exchanged passes with David McGoldrick, it was the visitors that threatened the most during the early exchanges.

Former Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Adam Reach flashed a 20-yard attempt off target following Andy Carroll’s lay-off and Livermore brushed the side-netting after charging on to an Alex Mowatt pass.

Home defenders Basham and Jack Robinson were then fortunate to escape punishment after giving away possession deep in their own half, with Livermore shooting tamely at Wes Foderingham and Reach wayward from 25 yards.

Sharp was in no mood for profligacy, however, when he opened the scoring midway through the half after McGoldrick threaded a perfect pass down the left for George Baldock to chase.

He then picked out Sharp, whose 10-yard shot beat Sam Johnstone after deflecting off Mowatt.

The Baggies wasted an excellent chance to level when Grady Diangana showed horrendous hesitancy after being played clear on goal by Reach, allowing John Egan to make up 10 yards to block his eventual attempt.

Sharp then swivelled and blasted straight at Johnstone after the ball had bounced up invitingly in the box and the evergreen