Historically, Glanford Park has proved to be a bogey venue for Sheffield United, with their pre-season trip to Lincolnshire proving no different. The Blades lost 3-2 but made heavy work after going in at the interval three goals behind.

Scunthorpe, who was relegated from League Two last season, stormed into a three-goal lead before half-time as new signing Clin Daniel netted twice, either side of Alfie Beestin. Second-half goals from Rhian Brewster and Illiman Ndiaye reduced the deficit but United ran out of time to force a leveller.

Blades boss Paul Heckingbottom once again rotated his squad, though young keeper Jordan Amissah was forced to deputise with both Wes Foderingham and Adam Davies both sidelined with injury. Meanwhile, new signing Cieran Clark (on-loan from Newcastle United), featured on the substitutes bench. The Iron introduced five new signings into their line-up. Former Sheffield United Academy starlets, Marcus Dewhurst, and Elliott Whitehouse both featured, as did scorer Daniel, and Andrew Boyce, whilst former Barnsley and Sheffield Wednesday midfielder, Jacob Butterfield featured as a trialist for the hosts.

Scunthorpe United 3-2 Sheffield United
Saturday, 16th July 2022 – Kick-Off: 12:30 PM
Pre-Season Friendly

The Blades had the kick-off with United beginning the match brightly with Max Lowe volleying over at the far post following an excellent cross from George Broadbent. However, Scunthorpe soon began to take control with Feeney forcing Amissah into a save. The hosts took the lead on 21 minutes following a slip from Broadbent as he attempted to clear Nutall’s cross and allowing DANIEL time to rifle home. United responded instantly, but Dewhurst was at his best to keep out Jack Robinson at the far post from John Fleck’s corner.

United fell two goals behind shortly after the half-hour mark after Butterfield and Daniel combined for the latter to produce a low cross which BEESTIN converted from close range. The visitors were forced into a change moments later after new signing Anel Ahmedhodžić replaced an injured Chris Basham. Their task was soon made an uphill struggle after DANIEL was unmarked to head home his side’s third goal of the afternoon.

Heckingbottom made changes at the break with Ndiaye replacing Will Osulu, and in the early exchanges, Daniel Jebbison forced Dewhurst into a save as United looked sharp. Ismaila Coulibaly fired over the top from Broadbent’s low cross, whilst Dewhurst held firm to keep Lowe at bay as United piled on the pressure, before Jebbison backheeled the rebound wide.

United remained three goals behind at the hour mark. Oli Norwood replaced Ollie Arblaster with the former making his mark shortly after his entrance. He robbed Taff of possession high up the field and his inviting ball to Lowe was good but the left wing-back failed to hit the target. At the other end, keeper Amissah was alert to keep out Fleming and deny the fourth goal.

On 74 minutes the visitors were handed a lifeline. After missing a string of opportunities, Baldock’s swinging cross was headed home by BREWSTER. Baldock was in the thick of the action five minutes later, teeing up NDIAYE who rifled home from the edge of the area to give the traveling 1,400 spectators some hope of a comeback.

As United pushed there became a sense that United might pull off a comeback, especially when Dewhurst failed to collect from Sander Berge’s pressure, with Brewster blazing over in what was the Blades’ final opportunity of the match.

Scunthorpe United: Dewhurst, O’Malley (Lewis, 68), Whitehouse (Rowe, 63), Boyce, Feeney (Wilson, 57), Beestin (Shrimpton, 34), Nuttall (Sellars-Fleming, 68), Butterfield (Cribb, 55), Taft, Daniel (Moore-Billam, 63), Gallimore. Unused: Foster

Sheffield United: Amissah, Broadbent (Baldock 73), Basham (Ahmedhodžić 40), Egan (Gordon 73), Robinson (Clark 73), Lowe, Arblaster (Norwood 63), Coulibaly (Osborn 73), Fleck (Berge 73), Osula (Ndiaye 45), Jebbison (Brewster 73). Unused: Wharton.

Attendance: 2,532.