The ideal start

Last updated : 06 August 2011 By BladesMadeditor@ Boundary Park

3428492Oldham Athletic 0:2 Sheffield United

It couldn't have gone any smoother for the Blades boss in the opening game at Boundary Park. Two second-half goals from young centre-back Harry Maguire and the experienced Richard Cresswell ensured 3,597 Unitedites had a pleasant return back over the Pennines.

Lescinel Jean-Francois, Ryan Flynn and Chris Porter were all handed competitive debuts, and it was the aforementioned Francois who had the first notable effort of the tie - his rasping strike clipped Cisak's crossbar.

Oldham then got a slight foothold in the game with two attempts at goal. Matt Smith's header was straight at Simonsen, whilst Taylor drilled the ball over the net and into the stands after being presented with a striking opportunity.

United came out of the traps quickly in the second period, and took the lead just three minutes after the restart. Quinn's corner was met timely by 18-year-old defender Harry Maguire, who rose superbly to nod the Blades into a one nil lead.

3340414Flynn then troubled the Latics goalkeeper, but the net was bulging again when the Blades' lead was doubled through Richard Cresswell. The striker got on the end of Stephen Quinn's clinical pass from out wide, to slide the ball into the goal.

Zander Diamond's effort was deflected onto the top of Simonsen's net, but beautiful link up play between Lowton and Cresswell almost forced a third Blades goal, however, Lowton's low drive across goal just skimmed the post.

M'Voto's strike was cleared off the line, and then Cisak's spill almost allowed Bogdanovic to get his name on the scoresheet, but he atoned to block.

Millar's attempt was on target but was once again cleared away from goal, and United would run down the clock to seal victory in Danny Wilson's first competitive game.

Performances from Stephen Quinn, Matt Lowton, Lescinel Jean-Franocis and Richard Cresswell inspired the Blades to a much deserved victory.

The final score from Boundary Park: Oldham Athletic 0:2 Sheffield United.

Images copyright to Action Images