Noel Clarke brace helps Sheffield United defeat Wolverhampton Wanderers

Sheffield United have climbed up to second in the Championship table courtesy of a 2-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers at Bramall Lane.

The visitors fell down to 10 men just 15 minutes into the game when former Blades man Conor Coady was sent off by referee Peter Bankes for denying Leon Clarke a clear goalscoring opportunity.

United made the most of their numerical advantage, dominating the first half and taking a deserved lead after 39 minutes through Clarke, who rifled home Enda Stevens's left-wing cross.

Wolves then had a great chance to equalise six minutes after the break when Diogo Jota was fouled in the area, prompting the referee to award a penalty.

The visitors, however, failed to make the most of the opportunity as Ruben Neves's spot kick bounced off the post and was subsequently cleared.

Just before the hour, Chris Wilder's charges doubled their advantage as former Wolves forward Clarke connected with Mark Duffy's free kick and headed beyond John Ruddy in the visitors' net.

The result sees Nuno Espirito Santo's side squander the opportunity to go top of the table tonight, instead dropping down to fourth.