Chris Basham's first goal of the season was enough to give Sheffield United a third win in four games

Sheffield United continued their fine start to the season by sending Ipswich to a third defeat in four games.

Chris Basham's header four minutes after the interval was enough for a third win in four games for the Blades.

Martyn Waghorn came close to an immediate equaliser when he struck the crossbar from Tristan Nydam's pass.

Leon Clarke also hit the bar with an effort for the hosts, who overcame a serious-looking injury to defender Kieron Freeman in the first half.

Chris Wilder's side, promoted as League One champions in May, went level on points with Cardiff City behind new leaders Wolves, but with an inferior goal difference.

Basham's first goal of the season saw the centre-back rise above Myles Kenlock in the Ipswich area to head home John Fleck's cross.

Freeman, who came into the Sheffield United side at right-back for the injured George Baldock, was stretchered off himself after being involved in a goalmouth melee to deny David McGoldrick a chance to open the scoring.

The Blades withstood a spell of pressure from Ipswich just before half-time as Jonas Knudsen and Waghorn also threatened.

Ipswich manager Mick McCarthy is now without an away win in the month of October in his past 18 matches, a run stretching back to 2008 when he guided Wolves to a 3-2 victory at Watford.

Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder:

"It was a good performance with a good result. We got our rewards for a decent, solid display. To keep a clean sheet with the players they've got at the top of the pitch is very pleasing.

"Kieron Freeman is going for a scan on Monday. It was a collision in the box but I ask the players to play for us and put their bodies on the line. Sometimes these things happen.

"It's disappointing for him. He'll have a period out, but I don't know how long that's going to be. We'll find out when the scan comes back.

"I can't remember the last time Chris Basham scored but he's played a part in about 140 points in the last two years so that's not bad."

Ipswich Town boss Mick McCarthy:

"I'm pretty annoyed we've lost the game. They started well, but we grew into it and it's a very good goal for them but a very poor goal for us to concede.

"I had to change the way we were playing as they were having too much of the ball. When I changed it to the 4-3-3, we stemmed the tide, somewhat.

"I don't think there's going to be anybody like Newcastle or Brighton. I don't see that. But, I do think Sheffield United are a good side and will be up in the top six.

"I don't think they're going to fall over. They've got momentum, a good way of playing and they all look to be working very hard for each other."