SHEFFIELD UNITED moved to within two points of the Champions League – as manager Chris Wilder was given a yellow card for scrapping with Bournemouth’s Andrew Surman.
Goals from Billy Sharp and John Lundstram have the Blades dreaming of European adventures after Callum Wilson put the Cherries ahead.
But the best action came on the sideline as Wilder and Surman had to be separated by a security guard in the second-half.
The home side and crowd were fuming at how Dan Gosling had reacted to John Egan’s challenge.
Surman went to collect the ball from the Blades’ subs bench, but came face to face with Wilder.
Surman shoved Wilder before the United manger returned the favour – and within seconds both teams and benches were squaring up to each other, with the home fans chanting ‘Wilder, knock him out’.
CHERRIES FLY OUT OF THE TRAPS
The brawling duo had to be separated by stadium security.
And while it was all over in a flash both were given yellow cards by ref Jonathan Moss.
While Storm Ciara had caused Man City v West Ham to be postponed, Bramall Lane was basking in the sunshine at kick-off.
And it was in-form Bournemouth who flew out of the traps, going ahead after 13 minutes after Wilson’s instinctive shot from close-range found the roof of the net.
Having gone 15 games without a league goal, the England striker now has two in three – with Bournemouth’s survival depended on his form until the end of the season.
The Cherries were rampant and had chances to make it two.
But they were made to pay just before the break by Bramall Lane favourite Sharp.
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The 34-year-old had not scored since the opening day away at Bournemouth but found himself free at the back post to poke home after John Egan’s effort was saved.
In the second-half, Ryan Fraser was only denied putting the vistors ahead by a stunning save from Dean Henderson.
And sub John Lundstram settled it with six minutes to go, finishing from 10-yards having been set up by fellow replacement Lys Mousset.