United's second string returned to winning ways with a hard-fought success over Walsall in the totesport.com league at the Banks Stadium on Tuesday night.
A disputed opener, which Jordan Chappell claimed, put the visitors in front, before substitute Corey Gregory capped a fine display with the second ten minutes from time, as Derek Geary completed an hour on his return from an ankle injury.
On a poor pitch in testing conditions, neither side created much early one and the first meaningful action saw United replace Hughes, who was clearly suffering from a hamstring problem. Gregory took his place and within five minutes the Blades were in front.
Foster smashed the ball across the box from the right and as players' scrambled for the loose ball, it was unclear whether the ball came off CHAPPELL or an onrushing defender.
Walsall had a couple of half chances before half-time, but Aksalu saved with ease from Parkin and Grigg.
The second period began in similar fashion to the first, and although the Blades were still holding the advantage the Saddlers continued to press, but Aksalu was rarely troubled.
Geary withdrew from the action and Pennycooke-Morgan came on for the tiring Foster, before United made the game safe with a second in the 80th minute. A cross from the right was kept alive and GREGORY finished well from inside the area.
Coach Mark Smith was pleased to see his troops register their fourth win in five games, but says there is still room for improvement:
"A win is a win and it is always pleasing to get on a little run, but I have told the players it is sometimes important to focus on the manner of your performance.
"The scoreline probably flattered us a little in the end, but Corey Gregory deserves some credit for putting in a really good shift after training in the morning.
"That is testament to his attitude and I am proud of his efforts, which was capped by him getting the second goal late on."
Walsall: Ince, Westlake, Keenan (Paterson), Hickman, Partridge, Davies, Adkins, Bradley, Parkin, Grigg (McCourt), Geddes.
Unused: Bowerman, Cooney.
Blades: Aksalu, Geary (Pomares 60), Roe, Danquah, Fortune, Lowton, Chappell, Hughes (Gregory 20), Foster (Pennycooke-Morgan 75), Slew, James.
Unused: Billard, Maguire.
