Goals from Maxime Chanot, Aymen Tahar and Scott Boden saw United's U18s breeze past their Newcastle United counterparts in an entertaining clash at Shirecliffe on Saturday morning and in the process secure a double over the young Magpies.

The victory was the Blades first in the league since the beginning of November and the goal duck which has loomed over them since December was well and truly broken.

In an even first-half both teams enjoyed periods of dominance, although there were few clear cut chances for either side with the hosts probably just edging proceedings.

On the stroke of half-time United found themselves in front when French defender CHANOT shot brilliantly on the turn after Roberts had centred from the right wing subsequent to a corner not being cleared.

The second-half again started in an even manner and the Blades had a few scares as the Magpies peppered Furniss with several balls into the box.

As the second period wore on the home side again began to take control and in the 75th minute they reaped their rewards. TAHAR fired into the bottom right-hand corner of the goal from just outside the area, giving the Newcastle goalkeeper no chance.

Just before the end BODEN put the icing on the cake for the Blades when he beat two players before unleashing an unstoppable shot into the roof of the net to make it three.

Understandably, Academy Manager Ron Reid was delighted with the result and he was pleased with the response from his players after coach Scott Sellars had left to join Chesterfield:

"We worked very hard all week on team shape and making sure each player knew his role with the system we intended to play. I expected a positive response and that is what I got. It was a deserved victory for the lads especially after a not winning since November in the league."

Blades: Furniss, Chapman, Walker, Reid, Chanot, Dempsey, Askham (Lowton 45), Tahar, Boden, Roberts (Smith 64), S-Latef (Gee 76).