Blades never know when they are beaten, says Adkins

The Blades last triumphed against Bradford City on December 28 at Bramall Lane.

Since then, United suffered a 3-2 home loss to Peterborough United, before losing to a late Wayne Rooney penalty at Manchester United in the FA Cup.

A third successive loss looked to be on the cards at Wigan midweek, before battling back from 3-0 to draw 3-3.

Blades boss Adkins said: ”We have got a group of players who are having a real go for each other, we have a spirit and above anything else we are all striving to achieve the same common goal of promotion.

“That’s pleasing to see as is the grit and determination we are playing with, which was clearly evident at Wigan when most people thought the game was over at 3-0.

“But these players don’t know when they are beaten, they won’t give up and at the business end of the season that is a fantastic mentality to have, hopefully it will grow even stronger in the coming weeks.”

Saturday’s opponents Colchester are second bottom in League One - but they did win at Bramall Lane back in September - while the Blades are just one place behind the play-offs.

“Colchester are potentially very dangerous opposition, as we know from experience,” said Adkins.

“They were excellent that evening earlier in the season and we will give them the same respect we give all our opposition because they have the ability to cause us problems on the day.

“It is the next game and that means it is an opportunity for us to keep moving up the table with a positive result, but our performance will have to be at a high level as it has been in recent weeks.”