The Blades thumped Burton Albion 3-0 on Friday evening, in what was a wet evening at the Pirelli Stadium. Paul Heckingbottom selected a mixed side of youth and experience for their 5th pre-season match.
It was a much improved performance by the Blades, compared to the previous two games, as predicted before kick-off. This was the first pre-season game that United prepared for the match in the way they plan on preparing for a competitive game. Previously they have been doing heavy sessions pre kick-off, but tonight there was none of that and I think it showed.
Sheffield United took the lead in the 31st minute as Daniel Jebbison got the wrong side of Brayford, and latched on to a through ball which sent him through on goal. The Burton keeper rushed out but the striker kept his composure, took it round Garrat in goal and tapped the ball home.
Not long after, Jebbison saw his night get even better as he raced on to Osula’s ball into the right channel. Having found his stride, Jebbison powered a low-driven shot into the corner of the net, giving him a brace and putting United 2-0 in front.
United made it 3-0 in the second half on 62 minutes, Enda Stevens hit a shot from outside the box and he rifled the ball home through a crowd of bodies after a corner wasn’t cleared.
There were a lot of good performances on the evening, the trialist had a really good game starting at right-wingback. He was positive in possession and looked to drive with the ball whenever he picked it up in the final third. The trialist has been revealed to be Sean Robertson, who was recently released by Crystal Palace.
United have another game tomorrow afternoon at 3PM against local rivals Barnsley at Oakwell.
Blades: Amissah, Stevens, Basham, Norwood, Robinson, Coulibaly (Peck 86), Arblaster (Broadbent 69), Osula (Lankshear 88), Norrington-Davies, Jebbison, Trialist (Starbuck 76).
Unused: Wharton, Sachdev, Gomis, Gaxha, Brooks.