Nathaniel Foster was the star of the show as he netted a hat-trick in United's 4-0 demolition of Barnsley at Shirecliffe on Saturday.
The powerful striker worked his socks off and was rewarded with a treble as the Blades dominated the game from start to finish in front of Chief Executive Trevor Birch and Chairman Kevin McCabe. U16s goalkeeper George Long made his debut whilst Phil Roe returned from injury to take his place in the starting line up.
A good start from the hosts was rewarded as early as the 12th minute. Kennedy's header forward found Gregory, he swivelled before releasing FOSTER who found the net with a dipping 25-yard volley.
The Blades then had numerous chances before half-time to add to the lead and put the game beyond Barnsley. Maguire narrowly headed wide on a couple of occasions from set-pieces. Gregory and the dangerous Foster also came close, but their efforts also just missed the target.
The beginning of the second period followed suit with Foster, Kennedy and then Lammy coming close to the elusive second goal.
On the hour mark, United finally got the goal their play deserved. Williams won the ball in midfield before feeding the ball through to FOSTER to finish in style. Ten minutes the game was all but over as a contest. FOSTER beat a couple of defenders on the left, before slotting the ball home to complete his hat-trick.
Despite being three goals to the good, United showed no signs of relenting on the Tykes and moments after replacing Lammy, PENNYCOOKE-MORGAN smashed home a fourth, with Pomares and Roe instrumental in the build-up.
Coach Kevin Fogg was understandably delighted with the performance and result, and says all the hard work on the training pitch finally paid dividends:
"We have been threatening this all season and it is testimony to everybody at the Academy who has been working tirelessly for this kind of success. Now, the players need to enjoy it, but remained focused.
"It was a great response to losing heavily at Sunderland and in the end we could have won by a lot more. It was a terrific performance by everyone and we can take plenty of confidence from this result."
Blades: Long, Darlow, Roe, Williams, Maguire (Brown 75), Kennedy, Lammy (Pennycooke-Morgan 73), Murray, Foster (Slew 77), Gregory, Pomares.
Unused: McFadzean.
