James Beattie's second-half header handed Kevin Blackwell a first victory as Sheffield United boss - and dented Plymouth's Championship play-off push.

Beattie converted David Cotterill's right-wing cross after 63 minutes to ease the Blades' relegation fears at Home Park.

It was a first league victory for United since January 12, ending a run of eight Championship games without a win.

The last time the Blades won at this ground was in 1983 - and if Plymouth's start to the game was anything to go by, that record looked likely to continue.

Less than four minutes had passed when Jermaine Easter unleashed a low drive from 25 yards, but United defender Chris Morgan bravely threw himself in the way of the effort.

Paul Sturrock's side entered the game on the back of three consecutive home victories - scoring 10 goals in the process - so it was no surprise that Paddy Kenny was the first goalkeeper called into action.

The Blades' stopper was right behind Nadjim Abdou's 25-yard drive in the 14th minute as Plymouth stepped up their search for an opener.

Blackwell's side, who remarkably had drawn six of their last eight games, finally began to find a foothold - but David Carney's set-piece deliveries failed to trouble the Argyle defence.

Chances were at a premium, the half punctuated by fouls and offside decisions which disrupted the flow - and Blades striker Billy Sharp was particularly guilty of mistiming his runs.

Morgan again came to the visitors' rescue to cut out Paul Connolly's dangerous free-kick.

But Gary Speed had the best chance of the half in the 38th minute with a header from six yards which forced a point-blank save from Argyle goalkeeper Luke McCormick.

Pilgrims midfielder Peter Halmosi twice threatened from long range - but Sturrock's side were unable to find a way past United's stubborn rearguard.

United improved after the break and threatened in the 54th minute when Speed tried his luck from 18 yards.

Kenny was down quickly to parry Easter's low shot from 12 yards, but it was United who took the lead as Beattie crashed a shot high into the roof of the net.

Sturrock responded by bringing on Jamie Mackie and Chris Clark - and his team came close to levelling when Connolly fired narrowly past the left post from 20 yards midway through the second period.

The Blades had Kenny to thank when he tipped Russell Anderson's shot around the post, and Steve MacLean fired a free-kick straight into the wall as the Pilgrims searched in vain for an equaliser.

Another chance went begging when Clark pulled his 25-yard effort wide, and Matthew Kilgallon did well to get in the way of a Halmosi drive.

Beattie was replaced by Rob Hulse with eight minutes remaining, and United could have even doubled their lead late on when Cotterill's shot was tipped over by McCormick.

Mackie might have stolen a point in injury time from the edge of the area - but again Kenny was equal to it as the Blades held on.

Teams:

Plymouth McCormick, Connolly, Timar, Anderson, Sawyer, Teale (Clark 68), Nalis (Fallon 74), Abdou, Halmosi, Easter (Mackie 65), MacLean.

Subs Not Used: Wotton, Seip.

Booked: Sawyer, Abdou.

Sheff Utd Kenny, Geary, Morgan, Kilgallon, Naysmith, Cotterill, Tonge, Speed, Carney (Gillespie 71), Beattie (Hulse 82), Sharp (Ehiogu 90).

Subs Not Used: Bennett, Stead.

Booked: Naysmith, Morgan, Hulse.

Goals: Beattie 63.

Att: 13,669

Ref: Andy Hall (W Midlands).