Billy Sharp sets Sheffield United challenge

Billy Sharp of Sheffield Utd scores the second goal against Walsall

Eighth-placed United - who are eight points behind Millwall in sixth - are now rank outsiders for a play-off place after a disappointing League One campaign.

They have won back-to-back league games only twice all season - winning three on the trot on both occasions - and Sharp, United’s leading scorer this term, is confident they can exact some small revenge on Gillingham after their 4-0 reverse on the opening day of the season.

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“We were pleased with how we played against Walsall last weekend, but it was a little frustrating as well,” Sharp, who scored his 18th goal of the season to seal the points after Chris Basham’s opener, said.

“We’ve wanted to play like that all season at home but, for one reason or another, it’s not always worked like that. We were professional throughout; started well, got the goals and then saw the game out with our discipline.

“At home recently, we’ve been doing okay and you can tell by the reaction of the fans when we play like that, they enjoy coming to see us. We need to put in more performances like that, we know that.

“We haven’t won two on the trot since December now, so to be at home again this weekend gives us a good opportunity to do that. And, if we can mirror that performance, I’m sure we can get the three points.”