Sheffield United U23 2, Barnsley 1: Smith at the double as Blades extend unbeaten run
But, as the saying goes, one man’s misery is another’s misfortune and it was McNulty’s replacement off the bench, Tyler Smith, who fired both goals as Travis Binnion’s young Blades extended their unbeaten run to nine games.
The impressive Smith had only been on the field a matter of seconds when he opened the scoring, rounding Reds goalkeeper Jack Walton and slotting home. McNulty appeared to pick up a foot injury after being accidentally trodden on by a Barnsley defender, and couldn’t shake off the knock.
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Hide AdStefan Scougall, again getting valuable game-time in a strong Blades squad including Aaron Ramsdale, McNulty and James Wilson, made the second with a great run on the right, before Smith converted his cross after holding off two defenders.
Walton was perhaps a touch fortunate when he saved one Blades effort with his face, but he was in full control moments later when he tipped over David Brooks’ dipping volley.
Barnsley were back in the absorbing contest just before the hour mark, when substitute Louis Rowe pounced on some hesitant defending and rounded Ramsdale to slot home.
Barnsley pushed hard for an equaliser but United, marshalled by the excellent Wilson, Callum Semple and Regan Slater, held out.
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Hide AdUnited: Ramsdale, Bennett, Mallon, Wilson, Kelly, Semple, Slater, Scougall (Ford 64), McNulty (T. Smith 10), Brooks, Hallam (Hirst 62). Unused: Graham, Warhurst.
Reds: Walton , Proctor, Rodriguez, Swift, Dolan, Carvell (Saeed, 85), Wolfe, Palmer, Charles (Rowe, 46), Patrick, Brown (Tingle, 79). Unused: Greatorex, Lund.