Blades set sights on 
record unbeaten run

The Blades, who have not seen their colours lowered in 18 league games with today’s opponents MK Dons the last team to beat them in League One on April 21, have some way to go to match the Terriers’ streak from January 1, 2011 to November 28, 2011.

But defender McMahon feels the Blades possess the wherewithal to do it and can handle the pressure of protecting a long unbeaten run.

On their chances, he said: “That was some run (from Huddersfield), but why not? We have never gone into a game this season thinking we are going to lose and it is not our day today.

“We always think we will get goals and have been solid at the back and have not conceded many.

“It would be nice to break that record, but we will see how we go.

“We are aware we are on a good run and are full of confidence and believe we can beat anyone. The run is a good thing and we do not want it to end.

“We were under pressure at the start of the season with everyone saying we were favourites to go up and should go up.

“But as a footballer, you put pressure on yourself every week to perform; the run doesn’t put extra pressure on you.”

Blades chief Danny Wilson has paid tribute to the redoubtable defensive qualities and pride of his back four, who have not conceded a league goal since October 13, recording four clean sheets on the trot and eight shut-outs in total this campaign.

The Blades have conceded just 10 goals in 16 League One games and today meet the team with the next best record in the division in the Dons.

Wilson admits that his rearguard cannot abide letting in goals whether it be on a match-day or on the training pitch at Shirecliffe.

He said: “We get calls from up and down the country from managers and coaches saying things like we have old-fashioned centre-backs who like to go and defend and aren’t bothered about getting hurt.

“We feel we have got a few to choose from at this club. Defenders who defend are a dying breed; everyone wants to be a ball-player nowadays.

“Our defenders do not shirk anything even in training and are fearless. They are accustomed to putting their head in where it hurts and do not even think about it. Their job is to keep the ball out of the net and when it goes into the net, they take it personally, which is great. They turn the air blue.”

Centre-half Neill Collins has penned a new two-year contract with the Blades.