An inspiring performance thankfully paid off when substitute Ched Evans rocketed in the only goal of the game from 12-yards out with a super volley. The team performance may have been the best of pre-season so far, but there were plenty of positives to take out of individual performances too.
Youngster Matt Lowton did his cause to break into the first team no harm at all with a professional display alongside captain Chris Morgan. Trialist Leon Britton shone, as did trialist Jean Calve at right-back. Reports suggest the 26-year-old is poised to sign a 'lucrative' contract at Bramall Lane.
United nearly went into the lead in the opening few minutes when Jamie Ward, the Blades' pint-sized attacker, flicked on a Mark Yeates cross with his head, only to see the ball strike the keeper's far-post and gratefully drop straight into his hands.
Johnny Ertl was denied his second Blades goal in the space of four days when his headed goal was ruled out for a foul on Burch, the County goalkeeper. Yeates was inches wide with his curler, and Cresswell might have scored if it wasn't for a last-ditch block from a black and white shirt.
The Magpies rarely threatened, only from two free-kicks, one of which whiskered past Simonsen's post. Substitute Ched Evans was denied by Burch, Chappell was also. Evans was almighty close with a free-kick which just crept past the post, but he finally got his goal when he volleyed in from 12-yards on the 87th minute mark.
It's hard to find too many negatives from this performance. Perhaps United's finishing in front of goal could be improved - we could have had a hatful and a 1:0 scoreline doesn't tell the truth. Bring on Estudiantes!
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