Sunderland's four-game winning run came crashing to a halt last night at Bramall Lane in a game that will be remembered for a controversial double sending off.

Wirral referee Mike Dean followed up his triple red card show at the Hawthorns in the game between West Bromwich Albion and Fulham ten days ago with a double first-half dismissal in South Yorkshire.

Both Sunderland keeper Gary Breen and United's Andy Gray received their marching orders for violent conduct.

A 67th minute goal by Paul Shaw following a defensive mix-up between Jeff Whitley and Steve Caldwell handed the Blades the points but the sendings off completely altered the complexion of play.

It was Dean's assistant who flagged for an infringement after 38 minutes, which was missed by most of the crowd. But the Merseyside whistle-blower had no hesitation in sending off Breen and striker Gray.

Both sides reverted to one man in attack for the second half, but after Blades' goal Sunderland had little to offer, despite Carl Robinson and George McCartney both going close as the clock ran down.

Sunderland began with the same starting XI which beat Leeds on Friday night, while the Blades handed the captain's arm band for the night to former Black Cats midfielder Paul Thirlwell.

The home side were quickly out of the blocks and, after Tommy Black was fouled by George McCartney he got up to curl a free kick from the right into the danger zone.

A combination of Stephen Wright and Blades' Phil Jagielka forced Mart Poom into a full length save.

A scrappy opening quarter-hour ensued with both sides guilty of handing possession to their opponents.

Jeff Whitley was the first Sunderland player to test Paddy Kenny's reflexes with a 20-yard effort which the home side's keeper easily tipped over.

That opportunity was created by the intelligent running of Stephen Elliott who again looks the Black Cats' most dangerous player.

The home side were getting a grip on the game and the impressive John Harley created a great chance after the quarter-hour, but Lee Bromby could not get his headed effort on target from Harley's left-wing cross.

An injury to Blades' centre back Chris Morgan on the half-hour forced the home side into a re-think, with former Middlesbrough defender Alan Wright coming on and Bromby switching to centre back.

A seemingly innocuous first-half erupted with the double sending off, which left many of the crowd scratching their heads.

The assistant referee made Dean aware of the clash between Breen and Gray in the box and the Wirral official sent off both men.

The remaining seven minutes of the half saw both sides adjusting to the loss of a player, with the best effort before the break coming from Harley, whose turning shot produced a good save from Poom.

Chris Brown made way for defender Mark Lynch as McCarthy reshuffled his pack at the interval. Elliott was left to plough a lone furrow up front as both sides resorted to 4-4-1 formations.

The changes, however, did not produce the desired effect for Sunderland as all their work was cancelled out by a resolute Sheffield United midfield and defence.

All the attacking invention was coming from the home side and on 60 minutes Poom was again called upon to keep his side on level terms.

Alan Wright played in Tonge, who set up the on-rushing Alan Quinn in the box, but Poom expertly turned away the former Sunderland loan star's drive.

United continued to attack and their persistence paid off with a goal resulting from a defensive error.

Tonge headed forward but Whitley's attempted header back beat the outstretched leg of Steve Caldwell, giving Paul Shaw a clear run in on goal. The striker took his time and picked his spot from 12 yards, curling it past Poom's outstretched hand.

Sunderland had a chance to equalise on 81 minutes following good work by McCartney down the left, but his cross was met by the header of Robinson, only for Alan Wright to divert the effort wide.

* High-flying Stoke ground out a precious Coca-Cola Championship point with a stubborn defensive display at Elland Road, earning a 0-0 draw against a Leeds side bereft of any real goal threat.

The attacking shortcomings of Kevin Blackwell's side were highlighted during last Friday's 1-0 defeat to Sunderland - during which they surrendered their unbeaten home record - and the same failings were laid bare again.

Between them, Brian Deane and Brett Ormerod barely made an impression on a Stoke side who were happy to sit back and soak up the pressure.

Leeds attacked with early purpose and vigour.

After just seven minutes, Danny Pugh sent over a fine cross from the left which Clint Hill did well to head clear for a corner.

Seconds later Gerry Taggart made a crucial challenge on Frazer Richardson inside the visitors' box as Leeds looked to transform their possession into goals.

Stoke's early-season success has been based on their organisation and direct style.

Tony Pulis' side may win no plaudits from purists of the game, but their approach is well suited to the division. Just one defeat from 11 games bears testimony to that theory.

Stoke served notice of their counter-attacking threat after 18 minutes when Ade Akinbiyi fired in a low effort from the edge of the box which Neil Sullivan held comfortably.

Soon after the restart, Darel Russell fired in an effort from just inside the box, which Sullivan parried before the danger was cleared.

Leeds continued to press, but without success.