Sheffield United have collected another crucial victory in their promotion bid with a 4-0 win over Scunthorpe United.

Despite a promising start from the visitors, it was the Blades who broke the deadlock 14 minutes into the game when poor marking allowed Jason Holt to pick out the top corner with a curled effort.

Nigel Clough's men dominated after taking the lead, and came agonisingly close to another goal when Jose Baxter fired a powerful strike just past the post.

However, the home side would get an opportunity to double their advantage when Jordan Clarke tripped Ryan Flynn inside the box.

Baxter took on the responsibility from 12 yards to confidently slot home as Scunthorpe's task was made even more difficult just before the interval.

A Scunthorpe comeback never appeared to be a possibility, with only a fine save from Luke Daniels preventing Jamie Murphy from making it 3-0 early in the second half.

Dutch striker Kevin van Veen came closest to reducing the deficit with a free kick which drifted inches wide of the post from the edge of the box.

It proved to be a comfortable finish for the Blades as Murphy extended the lead by sprinting clear of the visiting defence to lob Daniels.

A frustrating night would have a miserable end for Scunthorpe as Miguel Llera picked up a second booking in as many minutes to give away a penalty with a foul on Marc McNulty, and Baxter responded by scoring his second spot kick to complete an emphatic win.