Ciaran Clark tops off dominant Sheffield United display against Cardiff

Sheffield United edged closer to promotion to the Premier League with a 4-1 victory over relegation-threatened Cardiff at Bramall Lane. Cardiff took the lead through Sory Kaba’s early penalty, but James McAtee levelled before a second-half onslaught from the home side ensured an important win.

Paul Heckingbottom made three changes to the team that lost 2-0 at Burnley, with Max Lowe and McAtee coming in along with goalkeeper Adam Davies, who replaced the suspended Wes Foderingham.

Sabri Lamouchi made four switches from Cardiff’s 1-0 home loss to Sunderland, with Jack Simpson, Joe Ralls, Andy Rinomhota and Kion Etete joining the starting XI.

Jaden Philogene had the first chance for Cardiff but put his effort wide, before Ryan Wintle’s low drive forced a save from Davies.

The Bluebirds took the lead after 19 minutes when Lowe brought down Simpson in the box and Kaba stepped up to confidently convert from the spot. The advantage did not last long as McAtee equalised five minutes later. The Manchester City loanee classily beat his man and finished into the bottom corner.

Ryan Allsop made a couple of smart saves to twice deny Iliman Ndiaye and Ralls had a huge chance to put his side back in front with the last chance of the first half but Davies came out on top.

The Blades went ahead after 54 minutes with Jack Robinson meeting Tommy Doyle’s cross from the right with a diving header.

Connor Wickham hit the bar for Cardiff with just under 20 minutes to play, but Ndiaye made the points safe in the 80th minute after a mistake by Mark McGuiness. The defender’s attempted pass to Allsop did not have the legs and the striker capitalised to make it 3-1.

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