Matt Smith's 13th goal in 17 Bristol City games was not enough to avoid defeat as the league leaders were beaten by Sheffield United at Ashton Gate this afternoon.
The hosts had their first effort on eight minutes, when Jay Emmanuel-Thomas attempted an ambitious 25-yard chip, which sailed too high.
Jay McEveley also had an ambitious effort, for the visitors, but it bobbled far wide of the goal.
Neither side could make good use of possession in the first 45 minutes, and a goal never looked likely before the whistle until the 6'4" Smith poked home Luke Freeman's deflected cross from six yards.
Sheffield United will be particularly unhappy after Jose Baxter was forced off midway through the half after picking up and injury to be replaced by Jason Holt.
On 55 minutes they responded, Matt Done following home after goalkeeper Frank Fielding had saved point-blank from substitute Holt.
Done was again deadly from close range on 77 minutes, when Jamie Murphy's low cross from the byline skidded across the area, allowing the January signing from Rochdale to slide it home.
A superb result for the Blades was completed when Luke Ayling lost possession, allowing the visitors to break through Murphy, who calmly slotted past Fielding.
City are still top despite this result, while United go fifth, above Oldham Athletic.
Matthew Smith
