Last updated on .From the section Championship

Leon Clarke's goal was his first of the season

Joe Allen's late free-kick gave Stoke City a point at Sheffield United, who missed out on the chance to go top of the Championship.

The hosts had a superb early chance to go in front but defender Enda Stevens fired over inside the area.

Leon Clarke converted after Oliver Norwood's free-kick came back off the post to put the Blades in front after the break.

However, Allen's low free-kick beat home goalkeeper Dean Henderson to give the Potters a share of the points.

Chris Wilder's men had a late appeal for a penalty when John Fleck felt his shot had been blocked by a hand inside the area, but they were forced to settle for a draw for just the second time this season.

Stoke boss Gary Rowett was forced to watch from the stands after being given a one-match touchline ban earlier on Tuesday.

Rowett's side were second-best for much of the contest, but both James McClean and Peter Crouch went close before Clarke's first goal of the season gave Sheffield United the lead.

The Potters remain 17th but are just four points outside the top six in a congested table.

Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder told BBC Radio Sheffield:

"We dominated the game from start to finish and I think on the goal [Stoke equaliser] Peter Crouch showed why he's an ex-England international and has played in the Premier League.

"[However] I'm delighted with our performance tonight, I thought we were absolutely outstanding. They [Stoke] will be getting back on their bus and wondering how they've got a result.

"You usually get what you deserve in football - on Saturday we didn't do enough to win the game - but tonight we deserved to."

Stoke City manager Gary Rowett told BBC Radio Stoke:

"Once again I think we've proved that when we go a goal down, we show some fight and a really, really strong response.

"What I'd like us to do is for us to not wait to go a goal down and hit that level of performance from 0-0.

"We sensed a bit more urgency when we were a goal down and we need to do that a bit earlier in the game."