Two second-half goals ended Brentford’s nine-match winless run and move further clear of the Premier League relegation zone as they earned a 2-0 victory over rock-bottom Sheffield United.
An Oliver Arblaster own goal off Mikkel Damsgaard’s cross and a stoppage-time finish from Frank Onyeka saw Thomas Frank’s Bees pick up their first victory since February against Chris Wilder’s Blades at the Gtech Community Stadium.
Brentford ensured there would be no late fightback when Onyeka darted onto Kevin Schade’s ball from the left flank in the third minute of stoppage time and sent a fine finish past Grbic to seal the deal.
It ends a rough stretch for the hosts, who had struggled since their 2-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux on 10 February, and puts further daylight between them and the bottom three – they now have a seven-point cushion.
Victory against their visitors on Saturday ensures they can likely look towards ensuring their Premier League status is preserved for another campaign and Brentford will hope to all but secure safety next weekend when they travel to Luton Town.
Ever since he returned to the club as Paul Heckingbottom’s successor, Chris Wilder has appeared to have the odds stacked against him to ensure Premier League safety for Sheffield United.
The defeat leaves them still marooned in last place, four points behind Burnley, while several of their rivals continue to register enough results to make the race above them interesting.
Their task will not have been helped by an injury to Jayden Bogle, who had to be taken off the pitch by staff when he was replaced in the closing stages.
With just six fixtures left, the Blades are struggling to retain their top-flight status, though there is still a faint chance they could kick-start a remarkable late revival if they defeat fellow strugglers Burnley next weekend.
But woes continue to mount for their visitors, who remain stuck at the foot of the table as they fight to secure their top-flight status.
