SHEFFIELD United staged a late fightback, but goals from Martin Paterson, Graham Alexander and Chris Eagles were enough to earn Burnley their first win at Bramall Lane in 17 visits.

The Clarets suffered a double blow before kick-off with Chris McCann too ill to travel, and Michael Duff injured in the warm-up. With Clarke Carlisle serving a one-match ban for accumulated bookings the defence had an orthodox look to it as Wade Elliott was named at right back, Graham Alexander at left back and Steven Caldwell and Stephen Jordan completing the back four.

Billy Sharp had an early goal ruled out for offside, and Burnley went on to defy their beleaguered look when Paterson turned Robbie Blake's corner in from close range for his 12th of the season.

The Blades equalised through a controversial penalty on 36 minutes, when Billy Sharp went down under minimal, if any, contact from Brian Jensen, and James Beattie sent the Burnley goalkeeper the wrong way from the spot.

However, Alexander restored Burnley's lead with a spot kick of his own six minutes later, following Gary Naysmith's clumsy challenge on Eagles to the right of the area.

Eagles increased Burnley's lead with a brilliant solo effort that he curled beyond Paddy Kenny's outstretched left hand.

Stephen Quinn bridged the gap with three minutes to go when his free kick deflected off the wall and wrong-footed Jensen.

But the Clarets survived late pressure to secure a deserved win and create a three-point cushion within the top six.