Burnley edged their clash against Sheffield United as Martin Paterson's header went a long way towards sealing a Championship play-off berth.

The Northern Ireland international, who recovered from a hamstring complaint in time to partner Robbie Blake in attack, nodded home the decisive goal and his 18th of the season to end the South Yorkshire side's unbeaten record on the road which stretched back to October.

The game came too soon for fellow forward Steven Thompson, who is still struggling to return to the squad after suffering ankle ligament damage against Nottingham Forest in March.

Blades defender Matt Kilgallon returned from injury sooner than expected so Leigh Bromby, who deputised in his absence, dropped to the bench.

The game began at a furious pace and the hosts had the first real chance when Wade Elliott pounced on loose ball and drove at the Blades defence from midfield.

The Clarets midfielder shifted the ball onto his left foot, beating defender Chris Morgan in the process, and curled an effort beyond Paddy Kenny in the Blades goal and on to the angle of post and crossbar.

Blake proved a constant thorn in the Yorkshire club's side and after twisting and turning on the edge of the box found Christian Kalvenes.

The Burnley left-back crossed for Chris McCann but his header did not trouble Kenny and flew over the crossbar.

The best effort the Blades had on goal was Greg Halford's tame free-kick which Burnley goalkeeper Brian Jensen unconvincingly parried to safety.

But the opening goal arrived in the 24th minute when Rhys Williams guided a cross into the near post area with a bit of bend and Paterson stole in to flick a header into the far corner of Kenny's goal.

A last-ditch intervention from Clarke Carlisle denied Craig Beattie a shot a goal in the closing stages of the first half, while Steven Caldwell diverted a goalbound shot over the bar as United looked to level.

Blake picked up where he left off causing trouble down the left flank and Elliott drew the first save of the half minutes after the break with a volleyed effort from the edge of the box which Kenny saved comfortably.

Carlisle then headed over his own crossbar as Halford's header across goal threatened to drop to several advancing attackers.

Blake weaved his way to the by-line again minutes later, this time from the left, and pulled it back for McCann who had time to control the ball in the box and bring a fine save from Kenny.

Striker Darius Henderson skied a shot from the edge of the box on the hour-mark after the ball fell kindly for him.

McCann raced down the left with 63 minutes on the clock and cleverly shipped the ball to Blake to stung the palms of Kenny with a thumping drive from 20 yards.

Paterson had a header ruled out for offside - but the Clarets held for the win to open up a four-point gap over seventh place.

Teams:

Burnley Jensen, Williams, Carlisle, Caldwell, Kalvenes, Elliott, Alexander, McCann, Eagles, Paterson (Rodriguez 86), Blake (Gudjonsson 80).

Subs Not Used: Penny, Duff, McDonald.

Goals: Paterson 23.

Sheff Utd Kenny, Naughton, Morgan, Kilgallon, Naysmith (Ward 16), Halford, Montgomery, O'Toole, Stephen Quinn (Hendrie 70), Beattie (Lupoli 76), Henderson.

Subs Not Used: Webber, Bromby.

Att: 14,884

Ref: Graham Laws (Tyne & Wear).