Peterborough v Sheffield Utd: Progress ‘satisfactory’ for Blades boss Adkins

The Blades boss tinkered with his team after a 4-0 humbling at Gillingham on the opening day, and they responded with back-to-back wins – and clean sheets – in the League Cup win at Morecamble, plus Saturday’s 2-0 win over Chesterfield.

Tonight they travel to Peterborough United, and Adkins is wise enough to know he cannot get carried away.

But he has been delighted at the resilience show after the humiliation against Gillingham.

“It’s about how the players respond,” he said. “We didn’t deal with set-plays last week (at Gillingham), we got beaten by three, and (against Chesterfield) we have done ever so well defending set-plays.

“That’s two clean sheets in a week, the response from the players has been good.

“David Edgar and Neill Collins did ever so well with their defensive partnership, and Jay McEveley at left-back. It’s given us more height in the team, with (Chris) Basham and Conor (Sammon), to deal with the effectiveness of set-plays, which is a big part.”

Teenager Che Adams netted twice against Chesterfield, and with Sammon and Billy Sharp alongside him, United have a real goal threat.

“Che’s a talent, he’s got to learn the game, he’s very raw,” he said. “He’s got a great opportunity.”

Last six games: Peterborough DWDLWW; Sheff Utd DLDLWW.

Referee: Nigel Miller (co Durham)

Last time: Peterborough 1 Sheffield United 2; August 19, 2014.