Blades and Rovers win, but setback for Bantams
But Bradford City let slip a 2-0 lead to draw 2-2 against Fleetwood to drop pointsin their chase for the top six.
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Hide AdIt ended a run of five games without a win, and keeps them in fifth spot in the table.
The spot-kick was awarded after Jamie Murphy was fouled in the box, with Vale’s Michael Brown - the former United midfielder - sent off for a second yellow card late on.
Blades manager Nigel Clough said: “It wasn’t a brilliant game but it’s a good clean sheet and probably the most important three points we have won this season.
“I thought we started well. We got the goal, then they got back in to it, and the defence dealt with how direct they played.
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Hide Ad“There was a few tackles flying in but I don’t think anything was too bad, the worst tackle was when we should have had a penalty.
“We probably should have scored more but we will take the win.”
Doncaster Rovers came from behind to beat Coventry City 3-1.
Dominic Samuel put City ahead, only for Richie Wellens to equalise.
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Hide AdJonson Clarke-Harris - on loan from Rotherham United - netted, before Harry Forrester secured the points for Doncaster, who move up to ninth place, three points from the play-off places.
Bradford looked in control at Valley Parade when they led 2-0 thanks to goals from Jon Stead and Christopher Routis.
But Fleetwood shared the spoils after Jamie Proctor and Nathan Pond’s late equaliser made it 2-2.
The draw means City are now 12th, five points off sixth-placed Peterborough, but with two games in hand.