Brentford’s hopes of a play-off place suffered a major blow despite their opponents playing most of the match with 10 men.
Ollie Norwood’s 26th-minute penalty put Sheffield United ahead at Bramall Lane.
Gary Madine was sent off nine minutes later but the Bees were unable to find an equaliser, with Kamohelo Mokotjo hitting the post before David McGoldrick’s late goal sealed United’s victory.
Norwood, who was on loan at Fulham last season, tucked away his spot-kick after Yoann Barbet had fouled George Baldock.
The dismissal of Madine, who was red-carded for a challenge on Ezri Konsa, gave Brentford a potential way back into the match.
But they were unable to find the net, with Neal Maupay and Said Benrahma going close before Mokotjo fired against the woodwork 11 minutes into the second half, with Julian Jeanvier blasting over from the rebound.
And there was no way back once McGoldrick nodded in after John Fleck’s corner had been flicked on by former Brentford man Jack O’Connell.
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This post was last modified on 13/03/2019