United's youthful second string produced a solid team performance to run out worthy winners against Curzon Ashton at the Tameside Stadium on Tuesday night.

Porya Ahmadi scored the all-important goal just before the hour mark, as United's youngsters produced an accomplished display against more experienced non-league opposition.

The first half was almost void of goalmouth action, with only two chances to note. Firstly, Pomares had to be alert to deny McDonagh in the seventh minute, before Gregory missed a good opportunity to put the visitors in front when he lobbed the ball over the advancing Carnell, only to see it land on the roof on the net.

The second half began with the Blades dictating the play and that saw them take the lead in the 54th minute. O'Kane broke down the right and shot towards goal, his effort was blocked by Worsley but the loose ball fell into the path of AHMADI, who lashed home.

Less than two minutes later, Ahmadi should have doubled his tally but after beating his marker the shot was a tame one that was comfortably saved by Carnell.

Curzon briefly threatened United's dominance, but Aksalu saved smartly from an O'Connor free-kick. The Blues then came even closer to an equaliser in the dying stages. Jones headed down into the path of McDonagh, but he flashed the ball wide when well placed.

United coach Mark Smith was delighted with the result and more importantly the application of the players: "It was a really good professional performance from start to finish. We were disciplined and all of the youngsters came out of the game with plenty of credit.

"The pitch was a great surface, which made it a good exercise for us and it allowed us to keep the ball on the floor. We stuck to the gameplan, which shows the youngsters are developing."

Blades: Aksalu, O'Kane, Roe, Brownlee (Darlow, 67), Maguire, Pomares, Pennycooke-Morgan (Tu 78), Hinchcliffe, Ahmadi (Giang 86), Gregory, Lammy.
Unused: Martin.