A slow start owing to some unexpected travel problems contributed to United's U18s 2-1 defeat against Stoke City on Saturday.

The Blades arrived at the ground only twenty minutes prior to kick-off, despite a 6am departure from Sheffield, and a goal inside the opening minute was the worse possible start.

From then on, though, the Blades rallied well and arguably deserved something from the game, with Maguire, Slew and Brown making notable contributions.

After going a goal down after thirty seconds, United responded brightly and some neat football brought them back into the contest.

Maguire was pulled down inside the penalty area by a City defender, but the referee waved away strong appeals for a penalty, before James saw his bullet header cleared off the line.

The second-half saw the Blades take the game to their opponents with Slew looking a lively threat, so it was somewhat against the run of play when a lovely passing move resulted in Stoke doubling their advantage.

Connor Brown created several opportunities as United strove for a way back into the game.

It was BROWN who deservedly got on the scoresheet in the 88th minute with a clever free-kick, but it proved only a consolation.

Coach Kevin Fogg was happy enough with his youngsters, but was left to rue the opening to the game which left the Blades with a mountain to climb:

"It was frustrating to go a goal down so early after everything we had put in on the training pitch all week, but the attitude and spirit the lads demonstrated after that is really encouraging.

"Maguire, Slew and Brown were all stand out performers, but we must work harder to convert the chances we create."

Blades: Billard, O'Kane, Brown, Darlow, Maguire, James, Lammy (Pennycooke-Morgan 52), Murray, Foster (Ahmadi 80), Slew, Wilkinson (Gregory 68).
Unused: Andrew, Pomares.