Sheffield United won a hard-fought encounter against struggling Stoke to keep the Potters in danger of relegation from the Championship.

The Blades' hopes of automatic promotion were dashed on Monday night when they lost at Burnley, a result that sent the Clarets and Leeds - who had thrashed the Potters 6-0 earlier in the day - up to the Premier League.

Sam McCallum gave them the lead before the break with his first goal since September when Rhian Brewster's deep corner was inadvertently headed back across goal by Potters sub Bosun Lawal.

Fellow substitute Ali Al-Hamadi forced a fine low save from Michael Cooper in the Blades goal as the hosts pushed for a late equaliser. But Andre Brooks, who had only come on as a substitute, sealed the points for Chris Wilder's side with his first touch.

The defeat leaves Stoke four points clear of the relegation zone ahead of Saturday's clash.

Sheffield United's third-place finish was confirmed on Monday, and they rested midfielder Gus Hamer and striker Ben Brereton Diaz as they seek a 10th play-off place.

Stoke, 17th, will be hoping the weekend's results are enough to ensure their survival ahead of next week's trip to fellow strugglers Derby, who are four points behind and visit 20th-placed Hull on Saturday. Sheffield United host Blackburn before heading into the play-offs.