Portsmouth, who visit Albion on Saturday, lost their 11-match unbeaten run last night.

Sheffield United stretched their own unbeaten record to 14 matches and boosted their chances of automatic promotion with a 2-1 win at Fratton Park.

It was only the third defeat the Division One leaders have suffered in the Nationwide League this season.

A goal from midfielder Michael Brown three minutes from time sealed victory.

Brown seized on a slip from defender Hayden Foxe to shoot home from the edge of the area after Gary O'Neil looked to have earned the home side a point when he cancelled out Peter Ndlovu's 24th-minute opener 12 minutes from time.

Pompey boss Harry Redknapp said: "Sheffield United played very well, especially in the first half but we got on top of them after the interval and I thought we were unlucky not to get something.

"We hit the woodwork twice and had a cast-iron penalty denied us but it was diabolical defending for their winner just when we were in a position to win the game. We have to learn to head the ball away sometimes."

United manager Neil Warnock sat back and relished the moment.

"I have been waiting a long time to come to Portsmouth with a good side," he said.

"It's been years coming but this was a great advertisement for First Division football and was real Roy of the Rovers stuff.

"We played some good stuff at times and created some really good chances but we knew Portsmouth were going to come at us and they put us under a lot of pressure in the second half.

"But the great thing was that my team rolled their sleeves up and got stuck in. They're only a young side but they're full of confidence at the moment and we go about every game trying to win it."