Sharp double downs Latics

CLOSE . . . Ryan Flynn

SHEFFIELD UTD 2, ATHLETIC 0

BILLY Sharp's second-half double ended Athletic's resistance at Bramall Lane and subjected the strugglers to another defeat.

The Blades striker got in behind the defence on 72 minutes and hammered a cross-shot beyond Ripley and inside the far post.

And he doubled his tally in the 88th minute, capitalising after Leon Clarke had clattered into Connor Ripley to turn into an unguarded goal and to deliver three points to the promotion-chasers.

Ryan Flynn forced home goalkeeper Simon Moore into a flying first-half stop as Stephen Robinson's side pressed, while Sharp might have done better than direct a first-half header against the legs of defender Charles Dunne.

Freddie Ladapo forced a good save from Moore late on, but Sharp's second ensured Athletic remain bottom of the table.