Two second-half goals by James Beattie ensured Sheffield United saw off Plymouth at Bramall Lane.
After a frustrating first half United took the lead with 48th-minute penalty after Beattie was brought down by Krisztian Timar and Chris Barker.
His second was a free-kick from outside the box after a foul on Anthony Stokes.
Plymouth's Steve MacLean wasted a good chance with a weak shot from 10 yards before Romain Larrieu recovered well to deny Beattie a third at the death.
Sheffield United manager Kevin Blackwell:
"We are hoping (James) Beattie's goals will be the difference in getting us promoted, and that's why that club has gambled in that department.
"I could have been coming in and having a cigar at half-time but as it was I would have been chewing it instead of smoking it.
"But there's no doubt that when the lads find their scoring boots we're going to give someone a hiding."
Plymouth boss Paul Sturrock:
"I'm very disappointed because I pre-warned my players about giving away too many set pieces in silly places.
"We've had an awful run of five games in 15 days, so we're quite glad that it's all over and we can get back to Saturday.
"The points total away from home is very acceptable for us but the games we've been losing at home is the disappointment for me.
"We're going to have to come up with something weird and wonderful in the work we do in the next few days to see if we can start to make it very difficult for teams."
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 
Bookmark with:
What are these?