Howard netted from the penalty-spot in the first period to settle the score-line. Meanwhile Justin Haber appeared in a first-team United game for the first time, he was handed the goalkeeper's jersey ahead of Ian Bennett.
Kyle Naughton, who today (Friday) had a bid from Everton accepted for his services featured for 11 minutes. Meanwhile striker Darius Henderson missed out with an injury. Trialists Glen Little and Julian Gray both offered their helping hand on the wings for 45 minutes each, and then for the second-half David Cotterill and Kyel Reid deputized. A handful of promising youngsters including Connor Brown and Nathaniel Foster were also on show to acclimatize to first-team experience.
Glen Little created the first surge of the game when he delivered the ball on a plate to fellow trialist Julian Gray. The totally unmarked midfielder directed wide with his head. Gray then threaded the ball through to Nick Montgomery who was felled inside the area, the referee pointed to the spot.
The Blades were very consistent last season with their spot-kicks, no trouble tucking away the penalty occurred against Floriana, Brian Howard slotted home.
Robertson and Gray were both unlucky not to see their efforts connect with the back of the net, goalkeeping heroics prevented Robertson from scoring and soon after Gray nodded over.
The home outfit attacked and pocketed their first effort on Justin Haber's goal, the ball drifted wide. Brian Howard then caught the ball sweetly but the goalkeeper blocked again.
Skipper Chris Morgan was the first to be writ into the referee's book for a challenge which seemed harmless, but the man in the middle deemed the tackle worthy of a booking.
Carvana of Floriana received a yellow card also for protests. The Utd starting 11 took a massive new look for the latter half with several substitutions made by Kevin Blackwell.
Firstly in the second half, Jamie Ward put Robertson through on goal, the academy graduate could only see his chip cleared though.
Robertson saw his shot saved after he drilled at goal from Cotterill's assist, and then Floriana broke to attempt to snatch an undeserved equaliser but nothing arose. Cotterill blazed wide, although was very close to doubling the score-line. Haber got a rare touch to the ball when he parried Nicovanovic's corner which curled, and then Brincat headed wide.
Kyle Naughton replaced Lee Willimason, but only for a short 10 minutes. Naughton on Friday was of course the centre of attention back in England when it was confirmed that the club accepted Everton's bid to snap up the full-back.
Sheffield United get off to a dominating start to their pre-season which consists of six games all together, Sheffield FC on home soil being the Blades' next opponents on Tuesday night back on home soil.