Gifton Noel-Williams lit up the Britannia Stadium with a fine brace to secure in-form Stoke a precious victory against play-off rivals Sheffield United.

The striker broke the deadlock after 57 minutes when he curled a delightful shot into the far corner before heading his second - and 10th of the season - two minutes later.

The victory elevates Stoke above their opponents by virtue of their superior goal difference and ensures that Tony Pulis' side have won five and drawn one of their last six matches.

Stoke began the game three points behind the Blades, but began brightly and Clint Hill's dangerous cross from the left forced Blades goalkeeper Paddy Kenny to punch clear.

However, the Blades wasted little time in gaining a foothold and influential United midfielder Phil Jagielka collected the ball 25 yards from goal before firing in a terrific right-footed effort which sailed narrowly over.

Despite their recent run of rich form, Stoke had more than found their match in the shape of Neil Warnock's battling side during the opening period.

The Blades passed the ball astutely and tackled with purpose, but struggled to penetrate a typically solid Stoke backline, with Gerry Taggart in imperious form to deny Danny Cadamarteri and Andy Gray any space.

Similarly, Stoke's attack of Noel-Williams and Kenwyne Jones largely struggled to make an impact as defences remained on top during the early exchanges.

Noel-Williams tested Kenny from distance before Jon Harley forced Stoke keeper Steve Simonsen into action with a 30-yard free-kick.

Cadamarteri was proving a menacing presence for the visitors, particularly down the right flank, but with Stoke boasting the best defensive record in the division - with just 24 goals conceded - they could find no way past the domineering figures of Hill, Taggart and Michael Duberry.

While United had shaded the first half, Stoke wasted no time after the restart in ensuring the attacking momentum swung back in their favour.

And with 11 minutes of the second period gone, they made the vital breakthrough.

Noel-W illiams broke into the visitors' box and with defenders reluctant to make contact with the striker for fear of conceding a penalty, the former Watford man was allowed time and space to curl a superb shot into the far corner to send the Britannia Stadium wild.

Suitably inspired, Stoke began to dominate and within two minutes they doubled their advantage.

Defender Wayne Thomas delivered a superb right-wing cross into the Blades' penalty area and Noel-Williams nodded home his 10th goal of the season.

Significantly, the goal was Noel-Williams' sixth in his last six games and suggests the striker can take on the mantle of being Stoke's main forward following the departure of Ade Akinbiyi to Burnley.

Jones then attempted to emulate Noel-Williams only to see his fierce effort from the edge of the box tipped around the post by Kenny.

Harley remained an impressive influence for the visitors, but despite his probings, Stoke held on comfortably.

Teams:

Stoke Simonsen, Thomas, Duberry, Taggart, Hill, Harper (Henry 90), Brammer, Russell, Clarke, Jones (Greenacre 88), Noel-Williams (Ricketts 81).

Subs Not Used: de Goey, Buxton.

Booked: Harper, Ricketts.

Goals: Noel-Williams 57, 59.

Sheff Utd Kenny, Geary, Morgan, Bromby, Harley, Francis, Jagielka, Thirlwell, Quinn, Gray (Beckett 86), Cadamarteri (David Johnson 72).

Subs Not Used: Montgomery, Liddell, Barnes.

Att: 17,019

Ref: S Mathieson (Cheshire).