Hopeful Blades need to bounce back again

The Blades are seeking to hit back at the first opportunity after suffering their first defeat in 12 games in Saturday’s 2-0 home loss to leaders Wolves.

Despite that setback, their South Yorkshire neighbours Rotherham United did them a favour by winning 1-0 at sixth-placed Peterborough, with the 11th-placed Blades 10 points behind Posh with a game in hand.

Brayford said: “There’s still an awful lot of points to play for and it’s not over by all means at the end of the day. Although it will be a tough ask to make it now.

“The teams we are soon facing in Brentford and Rotherham have consolidated a play-off place and it’s just that last place that is up for grabs.

“We know what we have got to do and, hopefully, others will slip up.”

Tonight’s clash at Broadfield Stadium will represent a test of character for United in a cramped stadium where Wolves came a cropper last week.

But Brayford says they are confident of a positive Blades response.

He added: “When you get knocked down, it’s how you respond and get back up.

“The lads have the right attitude and we’ve just got to start another run and see if we can get another ten wins now.

“Crawley will be riled up for the game, but we don’t have the lads here who will take it lightly.”

Last six games: Crawley DLDWWL; Sheffield United WWWWDL.

Referee: Graham Horwood (Bedfordshire).

Last time: Crawley 0 Sheffield United 2; December 22, 2012; League One.