United's U18s succumbed to defeat on Saturday, despite a battling performance against a more experienced Middlesbrough outfit in the FA Premier Academy League clash at Shirecliffe.
Porya Ahmadi saw an industrious display rewarded with a goal, but a hat-trick from the lively James Gray settled the contest in Boro's favour.
United started the game on the front foot, Slew looking dangerous from the left with his pace and power giving Boro's backline plenty to think about early on.
Slew's hard work down the flank presented Ahmadi with the first meaningful opportunity, but he shot wide before Lammy and James came close after good work by James.
The visitors started to get into the game as the half wore on and in the 37th minute GRAY punished the Blades after they lost the ball in midfield.
The home side responded well and levelled on the stroke of half-time. The persistent AHMADI pressurised the goalkeeper and his attempted kick rebounded of the striker and into the net.
The second-half followed a similar pattern to the first, Slew again prominent as United pushed for the lead, although to Boro's credit their second goal in the 63rd minute was well crafted, with GRAY again on hand to apply the finishing touch.
Ten minutes later GRAY added his and Middlesbrough's third to ensure they left Sheffield with three points and the matchball, despite United finishing the game strongly.
Coach Kevin Fogg was keen to focus on the positives, despite the defeat, and singled out a couple of players for some special praise:
"It is good that we have been able to give some of the younger members of the squad a real taste of football at this level in preparation for next season, and they performed really well.
"Terry Kennedy, the youngest player on display, was outstanding again and he is demonstrating maturity well beyond his years.
"Young Danny Deakin came on again for the last fifteen minutes and showed signs of promise."
Blades: Billard, O'Kane, Roe, James (Wilkinson 80), Kennedy, Pomares, Lammy (Deakin 75), Williams, Slew (Gregory 80), Ahmadi, Pennycooke-Morgan.
Unused: Andrew
