Sheffield United gave their bid for a play-off place a significant boost with a narrow win at mid-table Rochdale.

Marc McNulty opened the scoring for the Blades in the first half with a fine, curling effort.

John Brayford doubled their lead after the break when his shot squirmed past Rochdale's Josh Lillis, before Jack O'Connell's header halved the deficit.

Rochdale searched for an equaliser, but Nigel Clough's men held on for a fourth win in their last five league games.