A very youthful United second string went down to a 2-0 defeat in the second Steel City reserve team derby of the season at the Bright Finance Stadium on Wednesday night.

The Blades continued with their policy of fielding the youngsters in order to enhance their development, despite the Owls fielding many who have plenty of first-team experience with the likes of Sodje, Beevers and Esajas all starting.

The hosts were out of the blocks brightly and were first to threaten in the 5th minute. Senicanin's square ball in behind the defence was latched on to by Adams, but under heavy pressure the striker's shot lacked power and was easily saved by O'Donnell.

Foster and Adams looked a constant danger to the Owls defence with some excellent link-up play and that created a chance for S-Latef, but his shot was deflected wide for a corner.

The game erupted into life on the half-hour mark. Tahar's quick free-kick was saved well by O'Donnell, before Roberts forced a smart reflex save from the Owls keeper. From the resulting corner Foster showed great awareness to turn in the box but again O'Donnell was equal to his effort.

Against the run of play Wednesday took the lead in the 41st minute. A long clearance found it's way though to Lekaj, his shot was palmed away by Haber, but OLIVER was on hand to tap home the rebound.

The Blades thought they had equalised moments later, when Roberts converted from close after good work by Senicanin, but the assistant was flagging for offside.

Beevers and Sodje were withdrawn at half-time and United were soon on the front foot, forcing a succession of early corners.

They continued to search for an equaliser, whilst at the other end Chanot and Dempsey had to be on their guard against Wednesday's pacey counter-attack.

Six minutes from time, ESAJAS showed quick feet before rifling home from 16 yards to condemn United to defeat, despite a gutsy performance from the youngsters, which will have not gone unnoticed.

Blades: Haber, Smith, Roe (Brown 68), Senicanin, Chanot, Dempsey, Roberts, Tahar, Foster, S-Latef, Adams (Chappell 78).
Unused: Annerson.

Owls: O'Donnell, McMenamin, Lekaj, Harrison, Liversidge, Beevers (Hadfield H/T), Lekaj, Boden, Sodje (Modest H/T), Oliver, Esajas.
Unused: Pratt, Palmer, Worsfold