sport news

Newcastle climbed top of the Championship table with a hard-earned win over an unlucky Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.

Ryan Taylor's second-half strike, that flew in off Blades captain Chris Morgan, was enough to see the visitors go two points clear at the top.

The Blades started the better as Darius Henderson, Keith Treacy and Ched Evans all went close with decent strikes.

Newcastle offered little in response but finally came to life after the break when giant striker Andy Carroll climbed above the defence to guide a header against the post.

Toon were not to be denied and were ahead two minutes later when Taylor's effort flew into the net off the leg of the unlucky Morgan (54).

The hosts chased the equalizer and Henderson was denied by a brilliant point-blank save, right at the death, from Steve Harper as Newcastle held on.