Burton 0 Sheffield United 0: Blades have to settle for point against leaders

The Blades saw more of the ball in the opening period, but it was the table-toppers who enjoyed the better of the goalscoring opportunities.

Winger Abdenassar El Khayati caused problems for United’s backline, flashing a shot just wide before forcing a decent save from Mark Howard just five minutes later.

On their rare forays forward, Blades target man Conor Sammon had a half shout for a penalty after a challenge by John Mousinho, and Chris Basham headed wide from a decent delivery by Kieran Wallace.

The theme continued after the break, with United keeping the ball well and Burton looking the more dangerous in the final third.

Billy Sharp struck a ferocious effort that was deflected over, but the Brewers were looking potent at the other end and Stuart Beavon was inches away from turning home Calum Butcher’s low ball in.

Dutchman El Khayati continued to threaten, shooting high and then wide from two good opportunities just before the hour mark.

Kieron Freeman went close to breaking the deadlock, forcing a fine low save from goalkeeper Jon McLaughlin with three minutes to play.

A great challenge from Burton midfielder Robbie Weir prevented one last counter attack from the Blades, and it finished all square meaning Nigel Adkins’s men remain sixth ahead of Saturday’s visit to Port Vale.

Burton: McLaughlin, Edwards, O’Connor, Mousinho, McCrory, Weir, Butcher (Naylor 86), El Khayati, Duffy (Thiele 92), Binnom-Williams (Akins 45), Beavon. Unused substitutes: Cansdell-Sherriff, Joachim, Palmer, Matthews.

Sheffield United: Howard, Freeman, Collins, Edgar, Flynn (Woolford 62), Coutts (Scougall 62), Basham, Reed, Wallace, Sharp (McNulty 89), Sammon. Unused substitutes: Done, Long, Kennedy, Dimaio.

Referee: Chris Kavanagh.

Rico Henry struck a 27th-minute winner as Walsall narrowed the gap on Sky Bet League One leaders Burton to one point with a 1-0 win over Scunthorpe at Glanford Park.

Henry’s early strike proved good enough for the Saddlers, whose victory closed the gap to one point at the top.