MARTIN Paterson's 12th goal of the season and a Graham Alexander penalty have given depleted Burnley a deserved half-time lead.

Paterson broke the deadlock on 19 minutes when the returning Steven Thompson flicked on Robbie Blake's corner, and the leading scorer turned it in on the line.

Sheffield United equalised in controversial circumstances nine minutes before the break, when Brian Jensen was adjudged to have brought down Billy Sharp on the edge of the box.

Television replays showed little if any contact by the Clarets' goalkeeper, but James Beattie stepped up to send the Dane the wrong way from the spot.

However, Alexander restored Burnley's lead with a spot kick of his own six minutes later, following Gary Naysmith's clumsy challenge on Chris Eagles to the right of the area.