Veteran Gary Speed scored once and set up another goal as Sheffield United underlined their promotion credentials with a victory at Blackpool.

Speed's neat pass allowed Stephen Quinn to put Blades ahead and he then doubled the lead from the penalty spot after Rob Edwards fouled Ugo Ehiogu.

Blackpool found a lifeline when on-loan Blades striker Steve Kabba volleyed home from 12 yards.

Greg Halford snuffed out any revival hopes, finishing neatly from six yards.

Blackpool boss Simon Grayson:
"It was never a penalty. I have watched the DVD and can not understand the decision.

"I've been to see the ref and given my point of view. I don't want to get into trouble but it was two players rightly competing for the ball."

Sheffield United boss Kevin Blackwell:
"I have no doubt it was a penalty.

"There was a lot of pushing and shoving at the corner and the ref says he saw a shirt being pulled."

He added: "This was a good result for us as Blackpool are a workman-like side and this is a difficult place to come."

Blackpool: Rachubka, Barker, Edwards, Evatt, Camara (Coid 86), Taylor-Fletcher (Fox 90), Wright (Vaughan 64), Jorgensen, Hammill, Kabba, Burgess.
Subs Not Used: Gilks, Rehman.

Booked: Hammill.

Goals: Kabba 74.

Sheff Utd: Kenny, Jihai (Geary 90), Ehiogu, Kilgallon, Naysmith, Halford (Spring 80), Tonge, Speed, Quinn, Sharp (Webber 80), Henderson.
Subs Not Used: Cotterill, Hendrie.

Booked: Henderson.

Goals: Quinn 21, Speed 57 pen, Halford 78.

Att: 8,611

Referee: Scott Mathieson (Cheshire).