Blades sink Hammers in crunch clash

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A breathtaking free-kick from Michael Tonge towards the end of the first half was followed by a second-half header from captain Phil Jagielka and a stunning individual effort from Jon Stead.

The vital win at Bramall Lane ended a barren run that had seen the Blades take one point from their previous five games, as well as ending the Hammers' resurgent three-match winning streak.

Tonge opened the scoring after 39 minutes with a thunderous 20-yard free-kick into the top left-hand corner that gave Robert Green no chance.

The Hammers upped the tempo after the break and should have at least been level just after the hour, only to succumb to another Blades set-piece in the 68th minute.

Right-back Lucas Neill charged towards goal and unleashed a stinging left-foot drive that forced a brilliant, one-handed save from Paddy Kenny in the 55th minute.

But the Hammers were further behind and on this occasion Phil Jagielka outjumped Bobby Zamora in meeting a Keith Gillespie corner to plant a downward header in the bottom left-hand corner of Green's net for his fourth goal of the season.

The victory was complete 12 minutes from time when Derek Geary intercepted a Hayden Mullins pass just outside his own area then sprayed a long ball upfield for Stead to chase.

From wide on the right wing he cut inside and beat Anton Ferdinand before despatching a low shot beyond Green.