Sheffield United: Preston boss welcomes victory over '˜difficult' Blades

Jordan Hugill volleyed home the only goal of the game in the second half, moving Preston to within two points of the play-offs and extending their unbeaten run to six Championship games.

And Neil said: “It's been a good spell for us.

"We've come up against a lot of different challenges so we are delighted with what we have done.

"Sheffield United are a really difficult team to play against. I felt at half-time we hadn't moved the ball well enough and a couple of individuals could give a bit more and they gave us that second half, which is why we won the game.

"We have a plan A, B, C and D and the players can slip into different shapes quite easily. I have a young clever squad who are hungry and want to learn."