Sheffield United: Blades are up for the fight, says Adkins after win at Shrewsbury

United trail sixth-placed Gillingham by only four points after beating Shrewsbury Town last night and, with their South Yorkshire rivals only trailing Justin Edinburgh’s side on goal difference, this weekend’s derby is set to have a crucial bearing on the battle for League One play-off qualifcation.

Adkins insisted the manner of United’s victory at Greenhous Meadow, which included an early penalty save from George Long, proves they are ready to “fight tooth and nail” in order to keep the club’s promotion dream alive.

“We showed guts, resilience, grit and determination,” the United boss said.

“Everything that you need at this stage.

“Yes, we played some really good stuff at times but the thing which pleased me most was that people were ready to sacrifice themselves out there, do the horrible stuff that’s required to win games of football.

“The ugly things that people don’t always like doing. And that’s what it’s all about now; winning games.”

With only three matches of the campaign remaining, United are still rank outsiders to secure one of the four play-off berths. But, nine points off the pace only three weeks ago, Che Adams propelled them to the third win of a four match unbeaten run after Abu Ogogo had cancelled-out Billy Sharp’s strike.

With Shrewsbury battling for survival at the opposite end of the table, Adkins said: “They bombarded our box, as you would expect, but the lads put their bodies on the line.

“They knew what was at stake out there and to come back like that tells you a lot about their character.”

“Barnsley, at our place, is going to be a great atmosphere because I know our fans are going to get right behind the team. We’re all in this together, we’re stronger together and the boys have shown they are ready to fight tooth and nail. That was all about the team.”