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A second-half own goal from Aden Flint earned Sheffield United victory at Bristol City in the battle of the League One strugglers.

Jay Emmanuel-Thomas shot narrowly wide and Nicky Shorey also fired over for the hosts, while skipper Sam Baldock saw an effort kept out by George Long.

United's only attempt was a free-kick from Tony McMahon that was easily held.

But United went ahead when Flint turned a low right-wing cross from McMahon into his own net from six yards.

Bristol City boss Sean O'Driscoll:

"The result is a kick in the teeth, we've had some difficult ones to take this season but I think that one's up there with a few of them.

"They've been a frustrated bunch of players because we didn't look like we would concede all day.

"We probably had more possession, they change their team and we didn't think they would play two six-foot strikers. We knew that set-plays would be a problem for us.

"The majority of the game it was 10 men behind the ball against our attacking eight, because you can't push your two centre-halves up. That made it difficult and the first goal would be crucial."

Sheffield United manager Nigel Clough:

"Magnificent victory, first clean sheet and first away league win of the season. You see how much it meant to everybody.

"We have to scrap and fight for everything, we're in the bottom four.

"We'd like to play with a bit more freedom and fluency. I think that will come in the future but for now we have to scrap."