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.

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.

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.

How the match unfolded 

Both sides spurned opportunities inside the first 15 minutes, with Ben Brereton Diaz unable to fire off a finish after a barnstorming solo break, and Sergio Reguilon drifting a header across the bar from close quarters.

Vitaly Janelt also came near to the opener when he stung the palms of Blades 'keeper Ivo Grbic with an effort from 20 yards out, while Brereton Diaz and Damsgaard both blew chances when they failed to keep their respective strikes low.

Neal Maupay missed the best chance of the first half when a misplaced pass from Anel Ahmedhodzic put him one-on-one on goal, only for the Brentford forward to send his shot wide, while Yoane Wissa could not find a way to break the deadlock either shortly before the interval.

Brentford subsequently thought they had the lead just over nine minutes into the second period when Zanka slotted Mathias Jensen’s dipping free-kick past Grbic inside the box, only for the offside flag to be raised against him.

But the visitors finally cracked at the back when Arblaster stuck a leg out to desperately deal with Damsgaard’s dangerous ball after the Dane had cut loose on a run from midfield, only for the Blades player to divert it into the far corner of the net in the 63rd minute.

Damsgaard thought he had added a second when his smart volley was awarded on-pitch, but referee Sam Barrott overturned the decision after a VAR review that highlighted a foul in the box by Nathan Collins on Oli McBurnie.

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 has not been pleasant viewing for Brentford fans since they returned from the West Midlands with three points just over two months ago, with their side managing only four points in the interim.

Still, 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 the Yorkshire club.

Defeat here 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.

Club reports

Brentford report | Sheff Utd report

Match officials

Referee: Sam Barrott. Assistants: Eddie Smart, Nick Greenhalgh. Fourth official: Gavin Ward. VAR: David Coote. Assistant VAR: Mark Scholes.