Walsall 0-1 Sheffield Utd

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Michael Brown scored a spectacular goal as Sheffield United continued their fine form at Walsall.

The Saddlers had won their last four at home, but failed to take advantage when on-loan Fulham midfielder Jon Harley was sent-off with the match still goalless.

And Walsall goalkeeper Gavin Ward - replacing the suspended James Walker - was far busier than his United counterpart.

Shaun Murphy's header, Carl Asaba's close-range effort and Ndlovu's shot were all clutched by the keeper during the first half.

The Blades continued to attack after the break, with Stuart McCall and Nick Montgomery sending shots over the top.

Their hopes of victory took a knock when Harley was dismissed after 68 minutes following fouls on Danny Sonner and Darren Wrack.

But in the 72nd minute Brown broke the deadlock as he cut in from the left to smash a shot into the far top corner.

Walsall went in search of an equaliser.

Darren Bazeley drilled a 25-yard shot wide, substitute Gareth Ainsworth put a close range header past the post and Danny Hay also headed wide.

But the United defence held firm for a fourth successive league clean sheet and three valuable points.

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Walsall: Ward, Bazeley, Hay, Roper, Aranalde, Corica, Sonner, O'Connor, Wrack, Junior, Leitao. Subs: Harris, Carbon, Zdrilic, Ainsworth, Simpson.

Sheff Utd: Kenny, Jagielka, Page, Murphy, Harley, Ndlovu, Brown, McCall, Montgomery, Allison, Asaba. Subs: Peschisolido, Kabba, Tonge, Smith, Kozluk.

Referee: P Danson (Leicestershire).