Rochdale v Sheffield United: Harris welcomes Done’s impact

The Blades missed the chance to take full advantage of both Bristol City and Swindon Town losing at the weekend when they were held 2-2 by Coventry City at Bramall Lane.

It turned out to be a point gained after the first-half sending-off of Jose Baxter and a 2-0 deficit with 12 minutes remaining.

It took late goals from captain Michael Doyle and Jamie Murphy to restore parity and annex a hard-earned point.

United trail second-placed MK Dons by 13 points – but have two games in hand – ahead of tonight’s trip to Rochdale, swiftly followed by an away date at Crawley Town on Saturday.

It will be a quick Spotland return for Matty Done, the striker who joined the Blades last month from Rochdale, and United’s January additions have made an immediate impact, according to defender Bob Harris.

“Bringing in the new lads has been massive,” said Harris. “It keeps everyone on their toes because we all want to play and they’re quality players.

“Matty has got work-rate and the right attitude he needed to come somewhere like this. Jamie Murphy has been on fire and they’re striking up a good partnership. When we’re under a bit of pressure, they can run 40 or 50 yards and get us further up the pitch.

“Morale and confidence is high. We said after we’d played everyone once that there was nothing to fear.

“I’d like to think people are looking over their shoulders now a bit, but I suppose everyone else thinks the same thing too. We can only speak for, and take care of, ourselves.”

Blades’ manager Nigel Clough has tipped Bristol City to become League One champions, but he believes the second automatic promotion spot is still up for grabs.

“It’s not over,” insisted Harris. “We’ll keep going and there’s a long way to go.

“We’ll just keep trying to take care of ourselves and see where that takes us.

“You have a little look at the table from time to time, but, to be honest, I’m not really that bothered about it.

“If you do well then that should take care of itself.”

Clough will check on several players who picked up knocks against Coventry, including Paul Coutts (groin), but is without midfield player Baxter, who starts a three-match ban after a two-footed challenge on Coventry’s Adam Barton.

Last six matches: Rochdale WLDLLW, Sheffield United LLWWWD.

Referee: T Harrington (Cleveland).

Last time: Rochdale 2 Sheffield United 5; April 10, 2012; League One.