Sheffield United earned a well-deserved 3-1 victory against Middlesbrough at Bramall Lane to continue their strong challenge for the top spot in the Sky Bet Championship, currently held by Leeds.
Middlesbrough's Delano Burgzorg controversially scored a penalty in the first half to cancel out Jesurun Rak-Sakyi's opening goal. However, second-half goals from substitute Ben Brereton Diaz and Anel Ahmedhodzic secured the win for the Blades, bringing them within two points of league leaders Leeds.
With Burnley and Sunderland also securing home victories, Sheffield United now sits three points ahead of third-placed Burnley in the promotion race.
Throughout the match, Sheffield United dominated the game, with Gustavo Hamer and Rak-Sakyi testing the Boro goalkeeper early on. The Blades eventually took the lead through Rak-Sakyi's goal, created by an impressive run from Hamer.
Burgzorg equalized for Middlesbrough with a contentious penalty decision just before half-time, amid protests from the Sheffield United players and fans.
In the second half, Brereton Diaz's goal put Sheffield United back in the lead, and Ahmedhodzic sealed the victory with a header from a corner in the 87th minute.
The win was crucial for Sheffield United's promotion hopes, as they continue to push for a return to the Premier League.