Sheffield United’s League Cup run is over for another year after the Blades tumbled out of the competition following defeat at their local rivals Barnsley tonight. The Blades made changes for the second round in succession and looked disjoined as a result.
Max Watters turned home the only goal of the game from close range while Sydie Peck hit the post for United, after Rhian Brewster had done likewise in the first half, before the former Arsenal youngster fired narrowly wide in injury time.
Here’s how we rated the Blades’ players at Oakwell as United bade farewell to this competition for another season ....
1. Adam Davies 6
Handed the gloves against his former club with Cooper rested and was not particularly troubled in the first half, apart for a smart save from a deflected shot from Phillips. Could do nothing about Barnsley’s opener and looked composed with his feet Photo: Ross Kinnaird
2. Sai Sachdev 6
Had a chance to impress in the absence of Femi Seriki and looked neat and tidy, with some classy touches taking him away from the opposition defence. Won a few in the air too | Getty Images
3. Anel Ahmedhodzic 6
Returned to the starting line-up after his illness and barely had to break sweat in the first half. Was troubled more in the second as Barnsley stepped it up a gear but showed great defensive instincts to get across and block a great chance | Sportimage
4. Rhys Norrington-Davies 6
Another valuable 60 minutes or so in the tank for the Welshman, who played left-side centre half. There was the odd moment where he looked a little rusty on the ball but he was defensively solid before making way for Trusty | Getty Images