JOSH Knight's deadly first-half double and Dean Kiely's penalty save earned Albion reserves a battling 2-1 win at Sheffield United.

The Baggies eventually broke the deadlock on the half-hour mark after a tight opening to the totesport.com Central League Central Division clash at Sheffied FC's BT Local Business Stadium.

Knight saw his initial shot parried by the Blades goalkeeper before following it in to tuck it home.

Seven minutes later George Thorne picked out Knight with a long diagonal ball and the Albion winger was brought down for a spot-kick, which he stepped up to net himself.

The hosts pulled one back just before the break and when the referee awarded a harsh penalty against Paul Downing for handball in the 70th minute they looked like taking a share of the spoils.

But United were denied by Kiely, who flung himself to his right and pulled off a superb double save.

Substitute Ethan Mannion almost added a third for the visitors at the death - but saw his effort well saved.

Albion coach Keith Downing said: "We shaded a tight first half and United pressed us high up the pitch after the break and made it a scrap and battle.

"Our two centre-halves Abdoulaye Meite and Downing were very strong and competed well against a series of aerial attacks.

"Overall, I was pleased we toughed it out to get the win."

ALBION: Kiely, Samuels, Meite, Downing, Waghorn (Connolly 80), Knight, Thorne, Grier (Lynch 85), Mantom, Brown, Elford-Alliyu (Mannion 70). Subs not used: Allsop (gk), Gayle.

PIC: AT THE DOUBLE...Knight brace secures Baggies win