Simonsen wants automatic spot

Steve Simonsen says Sheffield United are desperate to earn automatic promotion and avoid the lottery of the play-offs.

The Blades currently sit second in the League One table, a point clear of city rivals Sheffield Wednesday, with just two games of the season left. Danny Wilson's men suffered their first defeat in 10 on Saturday and Simonsen says he and his teammates are now more determined than ever to finish in the top two and avoid the possible heartbreak of the play-offs. "Obviously, it would be a slight frustration to dip into the play-offs at this stage because we've done ever so well throughout the season," the 33-year-old told Sky Sports. "Obviously focus remains the same, to keep targeting things above rather than looking over our shoulders at those chasing us."