Sheffield United revival continues as they brush aside 10-man Birmingham

Sheffield United continued their revival under Chris Wilder as they beat Birmingham 3-0 in the Sky Bet Championship at Bramall Lane.

First-half goals from Tyler Bindon and Gustavo Hamer were followed by another goal from Patrick Bamford against a team who played more than 70 minutes a man down following the dismissal of Tommy Doyle.

The hosts took just five minutes to get in front. Hamer whipped in a corner from the right and defender Bindon rose highest to plant a powerful header past goalkeeper Ryan Allsop and get his first goal for the club.

Demarai Gray had a go from distance but his powerful drive whistled just over the top of Blades keeper Michael Cooper’s crossbar.

The home crowd were calling for Birmingham captain Christoph Klarer to be sent off when he brought down Callum O’Hare – who looked to be through on goal – but referee Simon Hooper opted to just caution him.

O’Hare then nearly got on the scoresheet with his looping header but Allsop made a brilliant fingertip save to deny him.

Any potential turnaround became much more unlikely when the Blues were reduced to 10 men in the 18th minute. Doyle clattered Hamer with a late challenge on the touchline and the former Blade loanee saw red on his return to the Lane.

Hamer recovered from that hefty challenge by putting his side 2-0 up 10 minutes later. Keshi Anderson’s loose ball across his own box was intercepted by the home midfielder, who showed brilliant composure to skip past Allsop and bury his effort into the top corner.

Any doubt about the outcome was ended after 51 minutes when the hosts claimed their third. Oliver Arblaster powered an effort towards goal from the edge of the area and Bamford beat the offside trap to stick out a knee and divert the ball into the bottom corner.

The Blades continued to dominate proceedings throughout and could have added some real gloss to the scoreline.

They had a hatful of chances; Hamer stung the palms of Allsop from the edge of the penalty area, substitute Tom Cannon fluffed his lines from point-blank range and Danny Ings saw a couple of chances go wide of the target.

Three goals proved to be more than enough as the Blades claimed their fifth win in seven Championship games.

Birmingham slip down to 14th, with United now just four places behind them in 18th.