Clock ticking for Adkins’ Blades

THE FEELING is that draw specialists Athletic won’t be too averse to taking another point at Bramall Lane this weekend.

The last five league visits to Sheffield United have yielded seven points. And with only two away losses all season, John Sheridan’s robust side will be confident of leaving South Yorkshire with something to show for the effort. A positive result would set up Athletic for the vital home game with relegation-threatened rivals Blackpool on March 15.

For the Blades and their under-pressure boss Nigel Adkins, this has been a campaign of struggle; when they have failed to live up to their pre-season billing as favourites for the Sky Bet League One title.

Currently half-a-dozen points off Barnsley in sixth, with 11 games left this clash is seen as a must-win, to gain some momentum. Adkins’ side is hoping to improve a run of only two wins from the last nine fixtures.