York City Vs Sheffield United – The Blades Edge Opening Pre-Season Match

Half time: York City 1 – 1 Sheffield United

In the second half, the home side introduced new signing Darragh O’Connor and last season’s top scorer, Dipo Akinyemi. while blades align included Croatian goalkeeper Ivo Grbic, Rhian Brewster and new signing Jamie Shackleton.

Former Leeds United man Shackleton lined up in the middle of the park, playing lightly ahead of second-half captain Ollie Arblaster. At the heart of the Blades defense was 17-year-old Lithuanian Dovydas Sasnauskas. WHO faced two powerful strikers in the form of the experienced Lenell John-Lewis and last season’s goalscorer for York Dipo Akinyemi.

After a slow start to the second period, a burst of pace from Shackleton down the right was followed through a low cross and a fantastic chance for Rhian Brewster WHO couldn’t beat Rory Watson from close range, the keeper making a intelligent saves with outstretched leg.

Immediately after marking the time This one it was United’s Will Osula WHO sought to inject some life into the proceedings. Playing on the left, Osula stepped neatly across the edge of the box before curling a left-footed drive into Watson’s far corner.

Seven minutes later It was Again, Osula breaks into the York box before firing wide of Watson’s goal. Neat play between Shackleton and Arblaster, after the former regained possession with a strong challenge, led to the former Derby County loanee’s chance, only for him to fire over.

Then it was Rhian Brewster who stung Watson’s palms with a fierce drive which the stoppers managed to turn away for a corner. Arblaster’s low shot was cleared at the near post before Jayden Bogle’s cross flew in for a goal kick.

York came alive in 73 with some superb play from Akinyemi. The centre-forward brought the ball down on his chest before a delightful backheel down the flank for the first of City’s three hat-tricks to run into. Akinyemi then looked to finish off the move with a powerful volley from a John-Lewis chest down, only for the effort to be blocked.

It was a case of third time lucky for Osula in the 76th minute when he cut across the box and bent his effort past the helpless Watson and into the top right corner of the net. It was a deserved goal for the striker WHO it looked bright up until that moment.

Both clubs will feel this was one useful practice as they prepare for league seasons with 45 minutes being given TO those players who were available. The hosts will be buoyed by the performances of Joe Felix and Ryan Fallowfield on the right as as well as the link play between Dan Batty, Hunt and Aguiar in the middle of the park.

For the Blades, the emergence and performance of new signing Shackleton will no doubt please manager Chris Wilder and Will Osula will be felt confident after finding the back of the net.

Full time: York City 1 – 2 Sheffield United