A week trip to a camp in Portugal would give Paul Heckingbottom’s side an opportunity to train in a different climate whilst undertaking one friendly match before returning to the United Kingdom. It also gave the Blades a chance to field a new signing, Bosnian defender Anel Ahmedhodžić, whilst Ismael Coulibaly was also given a run-out in a Blades shirt for the first time since signing two years ago.
They played one friendly match against Casa Pia, who are newly promoted to the Portuguese top division, Primeira Liga, which ended in a 2-1 victory for the Red and White Wizards at the Estádio Pina Manique – despite falling behind after five minutes. Go from Sander Berge and Daniel Jebbison gave the blades a victory in Lisbon.
As with previous friendlies, the Blades had opted to field two different sizings each half, although several players missed out through injury; goalkeeper Wes Foderingham (calf), Jack Robinson (illness), and new signing Tommy Doyle (thigh) were rested. Meanwhile, Billy Sharp, Jack O’Connell, and Oli McBurnie all travelled to continue their rehabilitation.
Casa Pia 1-2 Sheffield United
Friday, 8th July 2022 – Kick-Off: 6:00 PM
Pre-Season Friendly
Several Academy players had begun the game for United, and it was Harrison Neal, who was caught in possession which led to the hosts first goal after five minutes. After being played through, GODWIN got the better of keeper Adam Davies to prod home against the run of play.
United acted positively, forcing a series of corners in quick succession. Neal, agonisingly, so is effort deflect from the edge of the area and with the ball looping, lawn keeper punched clear for keeping out Egan at the far post.
On 24 minutes the visitors were forced into a change after Rhys Norrington-Davies went down injured under a challenge from Godwin. He was replaced by Academy starlet Nicksoen Gomis. From the restart, Brewster headed over from Osborne’s corner.
It was from a set-piece that the Blades deservedly level the score on 32 minutes after the hosts did not clear Osbourne’s free-kick, Brewster saw his effort blocked before BERGE reacted from close-range. From then on, United kept up the pressure with Brewster unfortunate to strike the post with his effort.
The hosts almost levelled before the break with Davies coming to United’s rescue after the above was played down the left and Godwin was given time, but the Welsh keeper was equal to the striker’s volley.
Changes were made at the break with only Gomis, and Davies keeping their place in the second half, in what was, majority, a youthful side, except for Oli Norwood, John Fleck, Chris Basham and Enda Stevens, with youngsters Daniel Jebbison and Will Osulu holding the front line.
The early exchanges were scrappy, though United was slightly the better team and was able to carve out opportunities. Danish striker Osulu saw a slight of goal, but the substitute stopper was equal to his effort.
The Blades went ahead on 63 minutes after JEBBISON squeezed out an opportunity, picking up a loose pass, keeping his composure before firing hard and low into the bottom left corner. Short afterwards, keeper Davies was replaced by Jordan Amissah.
As the game entered its latter stages, the hosts made several changes whilst United continued with the high pressure, forever searching for another goal. Unfortunately, it wasn’t to be, but Osulu remained a handful for the Casa Pia defence. Coulibaly tried a shot from a distance, which was on target but did not hit the back of the net as United rode the game out winners.
First half: Davies, Baldock, Ahmedhodžić, Egan, Norrington-Davies (Gomis 24), Lowe, Berge, Neal, Osborn, Brewster, Ndiaye.
Second half: Davies (Amissah 66), Broadbent, Basham, Gordon, Gomis, Stevens, Coulibaly, Norwood, Fleck, Osula, Jebbison.