Blades boss Clough plays it cool

RETURNING TO FAMILIAR TERRITORY: Blades hit-man Jose Baxter.

THE FIRST of a trilogy of fixtures against clubs with play-off aspirations begins with the visit of Sheffield United.

Nigel Clough’s side appears well set for a place in the end-of-season promotion competition after a run of four wins in five games. Goals from former Athletic star Jose Baxter, ex-Rochdale forward Matt Done and loaned Blackpool striker Steven Davies helped the Blades to cut down Doncaster two nights ago. leaving the Bramall Lane club in fifth place.

For Clough nothing is being taken for granted as it stands. He expects the home side will come out on Saturday at SportsDirect.com Park with positive intent.

“We’re not there yet, not by a long way,” Clough told his local paper. “Until we have more points left than there are up for grabs it’s still game on. Other clubs are going to come up against us and be positive because they can go about their work with very little to lose. That’s not a luxury we’ve got.

United are slap bang in form, at the most opportune moment of the season. There was a blip at home in losing 2-1 to Crewe at the end of last month, but Clough’s men also disposed of Port Vale (1-0), Scunthorpe (4-0) and Barnsley (2-0) without letting in a goal.

Even the Doncaster game could arguably be used to illustrate defensive strength, given that both of Rovers’ goal were wonder strikes from long range by Kyle Bennett. Athletic have it all to do to turn over a strong outfit.