Danny Ward scored the only goal in the game as a Terriers team needing a point to confirm their place in next season's Championship took all three.

Three good chances fell to Daniel Jebbison in a one-sided first half but when Huddersfield showed more intent after the break, the Blades could not stop them.

"It was evident in the second half that there was one team scrapping for survival," admitted manager Heckingbottom. "I am not going to be tough on the lads they have been fantastic that's the difference when you haven't got that edge.

"We were good first half and missed chances but second half they played it like a Championship match."

Heckingbottom, who lost wing-back Max Lowe to a calf injury inside the first 10 minutes was reluctant to criticise players who had already secured automatic promotion to the Premier League.

"Of course we have to put it into perspective but not one of us enjoyed that but we've earned the right to be in that position," he sad.

"I can't help how I feel after a defeat the lads know that they will rest tomorrow and we will get the bodies right for Monday (when they finsh their campaign at Birmingham City) regardless of what we have achieved this season we have also been playing two games a week relentlessly for a long time."

On Jebbison's chances, he said: "The movement was good but the first chance is the easier one.

"That's the difference – how well you perform determines what level you play at."

Paul Heckingbottom admits Sheffield United could not live with Huddersfield Town's extra edge