Sheffield United 3-0 Bradford: Leon Clarke's double helps Blades to victory

Bradford's hopes of securing automatic promotion from Sky Bet League One suffered a huge setback on Saturday, as newly-crowned champions Sheffield United cruised to an emphatic 3-0 win at Bramall Lane.

The Blades, playing at home for the first time since winning the title, dominated the opening 45 minutes and went in at the break with a commanding three-goal lead thanks to a double from Leon Clarke and Billy Sharp's 27th strike of the season.

Bradford improved after the interval but rarely threatened to mount a comeback as Sheffield United recorded their fifth straight victory at home.

After a cagey opening quarter of an hour, United began to take a grip of the game and deservedly went in front 13 minutes in when Clarke swept home a first-time finish following good work down the left from Jack O'Connell.

The Blades moved further ahead soon after (20) when Sharp clipped a cute finish past Bantams goalkeeper Colin Doyle - ending his seven-match run without a goal.

Bradford boss Stuart McCall brought Alex Jones on for Timothee Dieng in an attempt to find a route back into the match but it was the hosts who grabbed the next goal - Clarke rounding off a flowing counter-attack (42) to all-but seal the win before half-time.

The visitors improved after the break and came close to a goal when Tony McMahon stung the palms of Simon Moore with a dipping drive from long-range.

However, it was the home side who came closest to scoring in the second period when Sharp directed a header straight into the arms of Doyle when unmarked inside the six-yard box.

Bradford's attention will now turn to Saturday's crucial home game against AFC Wimbledon as they look to cement their place in the play-off spots.