Bristol City interim manager Roy Hodgson made it two successive wins as his side hung on to beat Sheffield United at Ashton Gate.

Mark Sykes scored the only goal of the game to secure the Robins' first home win since 24 January.

The Blades had a host of chances to get back into the game in the second half, with City's on-loan Manchester United keeper Radek Vitek making a string of fine saves.

City are up to 11th, seven points off the top six with five matches left. Sheffield United stay 17th.

Both sides managed a single shot on target in the first half, with the Robins scoring with theirs.

An intricate one-touch move saw a sublime pass from midfielder Max Bird split the Blades defence.

Keeper Adam Davies just beat Emil Riis to the ball, but his clearance could only find Sykes, whose right-footed shot from outside the box was threaded past three defenders into the bottom corner.

Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder made two changes at half-time, bringing on midfielder Gustavo Hamer and winger Andre Brooks, transforming their attacking threat.

Keeper Vitek palmed away a curling Hamer shot from the edge of the box, before saving superbly from Brooks. The Czech then dived bravely at the feet of Patrick Bamford.

Bamford also had a golden opportunity to equalise but turned a delightful Femi Seriki cross over the bar from six yards.

Vitek then saved again as a header from defender Mark McGuinness threatened to loop over his head.

It is now six matches without a win for Wilder's side as they prepare to welcome promotion-chasers Hull City on Saturday.

Bristol City will attempt to continue Hodgson's 100% record - and make it three successive wins for only the second time this season - when they visit QPR.

'There were players doubting themselves' - reaction

Bristol City interim manager Roy Hodgson told BBC Radio Bristol:

"The defending was key. The concentration and the determination from the keeper and defenders, supported by the midfield and the front players.

"We were asked so many questions in that second half and to answer those questions makes me so proud of the players.

On goalkeeper Vitek: "These last two games he's been fantastic. He's got a great temperament and a real dominance in the air. I'd be surprised if he didn't go back to Manchester United eventually and be there a very long time.

"Every game teaches you things. Unfortunately, you need more time to process things and work on them, but it has been a fantastic two games.

"I'm not in favour of over-complicating and reinventing the game. There's a lot to build on for whoever comes in, and I hope they'll find themselves nearer the top than the bottom."

Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder told BBC Radio Sheffield:

"We went with a different shape for this game. There's a few reasons why I wanted to have a little peek at that.

"But shapes don't win games of football. Attitude and approaches do.

"In the first half, as soon as they scored the goal, there were players doubting themselves, and they can't at this club. They have to have the character and the personality.

"In the second half it was where I wanted to be, and I think that was recognised by the supporters.

"It was front-foot, it was positive, it was risk, it was quick and aggressive, and it resulted in so many shots and crosses, but we have to win and that's what we're here to do." (BBC)

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