Sheffield United’s U23s paint Sheffield red and white with a dominant display on derby day
By Josh Zealand
The Steel City derby between Sheffield’s U23 sides was due to be an interesting affair, and it began with as much tension as expected, with a decent crowd watching on from Bramall Lane’s South Stand.
It took just nine minutes for the Sheffield United youngsters to open the scoring. Regan Slater found himself unmarked at the back post when Blades right back Joe Starbuck found him with a lofted cross. Slater brilliantly volleyed the ball first time, giving the Owl’s keeper Jack Hall no chance as it found its way into the far corner.
Blades youngster Kyron Gordon showed his quality and assurance in defence, helping to preserve a first half clean sheet by blocking a goal bound Luongo effort following a Wednesday corner.
It was a steady but gripping affair, enough to keep the crowd warm until their half time brew.
The second half saw Wednesday’s first real opening of the game in the 55th minute, when Paulo Aguas’ low driven cross only needed a touch for the Owls to equalise.
Just two minutes later however, Blades captain Frankie Maguire doubled the home sides lead with a terrific solo goal. He skipped past two defenders on the edge of the box before cutting in on his left foot and finding the bottom corner.
United’s dominance of the game continued when Angello Capello sealed victory for the Blades in the 75th minute. He chased the ball all the way back to Jack Hall and superbly blocked the keeper’s clearance into the back of the net.
“I think tonight we won without us being very good. We didn’t play anywhere near as good as we normally do with the ball but without the ball, we got stronger and better and in the second half I felt we were dominant”
Sheffield United U23s Manager Paul Heckingbottom
A hard-working display from Paul Heckingbottom’s side was rewarded with a great ovation from the crowd at the final whistle, giving the young Blades a great boost of confidence for the rest of the season.
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