Blades captain Gary Speed battles with Cardiff's Joe Ledley

Cardiff edged the possession in front of a bumper 29,226 crowd at Bramall Lane but were unable to breach a determined Sheffield United rearguard.

Darius Henderson wasted a golden opportunity to put the Blades ahead after 22 minutes, heading wide Billy Sharp's teasing cross from six yards.

Paddy Kenny had to make good saves from Cardiff's Joe Ledley and Jay Bothroyd.

But Stephen Quinn could have snatched it for the hosts at the death, only to flash his shot into the side-netting.

Sheffield United manager Kevin Blackwell:
"The two centre-halves for both teams were outstanding, Ugo Ehiogu looked back to his very best and we're talking about a lad who has played at the very highest level - that's how well he played.

"Matt Kilgallon alongside him was immaculate as well. So much so that Cardiff couldn't get out of their half because the two of them were on top of Jay Bothroyd and Paul Parry.

"It allowed us to have a real high tempo in the second half."

Cardiff manager Dave Jones:
"It was certainly a game for men today, very physical, two different styles of play and I thought it was a good game.

"The first half we had the better chances to have gone on and scored the goal and the second half was a bit of a stalemate and a tough battle.

"We had four big hitters out injured today but I thought the lads that came in were outstanding."

Sheff Utd: Kenny, Jihai, Kilgallon, Ehiogu, Naysmith, Halford (Cotterill 68), Speed, Tonge (Webber 90), Quinn, Sharp (Beattie 81), Henderson.
Subs Not Used: Morgan, Spring.

Cardiff: Heaton, McNaughton, Purse, Comminges, Roger Johnson, Ledley, McPhail, Parry, Whittingham, Bothroyd (Eddie Johnson 86), McCormack (Thompson 90).
Subs Not Used: Enckelman, Gyepes, Blake.

Att: 29,226

Ref: Colin Webster (Tyne & Wear).