Blades plan fearless approach to Orient trip, as Hill hails defence

The Blades – linked along with neighbours Rotherham United with a loan move for Yeovil’s Paddy Madden – may have flattered to deceive attacking-wise in Tuesday’s home draw with Walsall.

But Hill, who deputised for the suspended Harry Maguire, feels they are at least getting back to their belligerent defensive best.

The Saddlers were afforded just one genuine chance at Bramall Lane, but unfortunately for the hosts, it was dispatched clinically by Craig Westcarr in a 1-1 draw.

The result ensures the Blades remain in the bottom four.

But Hill says a haul of four points from two games and some re-sharpened defensive steel under Nigel Clough augers well for some tough challenges ahead – starting at second-placed Orient.

He said: “The win against Bristol was massive. We hadn’t won away for a while and that breeds confidence. It’s coming for us.

“Strangely enough, we can go there (Orient) with no fear. They will be wanting to maintain their momentum and we can hopefully spoil the party.

“The pressure is on them because they are at the top. It’s a game we will rise to.”

On Tuesday’s draw, he said: “Their goal was very disappointing, but as a unit, I thought we were solid and didn’t give much away. We want to win games, but I think we are showing better signs than a few weeks ago.

“No disrespect to the old manager, we were very much open when we had possession of the ball and we seemed to be getting caught out.

“Once we lost the ball, we were very vulnerable and at the moment, we are looking to keep things tight and solid and be together as a unit.

“The gaffer is very big on discipline and the way he sets you up during the week means you’ve got to be on it all the time.

“We can slowly get back to what we were before where we didn’t give a lot away to teams.”

Clough revealed he has made enquiries ahead of today’s emergency loan deadline at 5pm, with clubs also interested in taking out-of-favour Blades duo Darryl Westlake and Marcus Williams.