SHEFFIELD UNITED’S chase for the Premier League may yet be aided by some of West Ham United’s millions, but in the meantime they might simply play themselves there.

United have now enjoyed three consecutive victories since their 6-0 Carling Cup thrashing by the flower of Arsenal’s youth. Yesterday’s was straightforward once James Beattie had volleyed them ahead in first-half stoppage time and they swept aside a dispirited Bristol City with a sizzling second-half performance that left them fourth, their highest position since their still-debated demotion.

“It didn’t seem like it at the time but the kick up the backside at Arsenal was the best thing for us,” said United manager Kevin Blackwell. “I looked for a response and since that night I’ve got it. To get out of this league you need physical presence, pace and brain and we showed all those today.”

Yet, after 45 minutes of almost unimaginable torpor, a contest between United’s unable and City’s unwilling seemed to be dawdling towards half-time stalemate. Indeed, City may have been happier, since they had arrived with just one win in six league games and the persistent feeling that their Wembley playoff hang-over has not been expurgated.

“Very poor,” admitted manager Gary Johnson. “We knew this was a key game, but we didn’t perform like it. We knew they were dangerous from set pieces but didn’t defend them. We need the [fixture] break to build our confidence back up.”

Beattie’s first came in a moment wholly out of keeping with what had preceded it as he splendidly combined power and technique to volley first time past Adriano Basso.

Briefly, City looked as if they might be up for the fight. With the goal at his mercy, Marvin Elliott somehow headed over Paddy Kenny’s bar just after the restart but City could not cure their curious timidity and United seized the moment. The visitors were woefully lax in the 56th minute when Liam Fontaine leapt like a directionally confused salmon to head Stephen Quinn’s tempting free kick past his own goalkeeper.

Bad soon became worse for City and a third set piece brought a third United goal. Again Cotterill took a corner from the right, again City stood and watched admiringly and again Beattie met it, this time with an unstoppable header.

From there, although the ubiquitous Beattie would head off the line from Fontaine, what heart City had evaporated into the South Yorkshire mist. Billy Sharp missed an open goal and, as United sauntered home, only a double dose of Beattie overeagerness prevented the match ball from adorning his mantelpiece today.

Star man:James Beattie (Sheffield Utd)

Referee:K Stroud Attendance:24,712