Sheffield United: Jordan Hallam and Jordan Amissah star in U23s victory over neighbours Barnsley

Hallam's first-time finish in the first half was the difference between the two sides, and Amissah saved Louis Wardle's tame penalty. The Reds made a better fist of it in the second period, Amissah denying Tai-Reece Chisholm and Jordan Barnett and defender Kyron Gordon just about putting Chisholm off when he looked likely to level for the visitors at Stocksbridge's Bracken Moor stadium.

Striker Gerry McDonagh volleyed over the Reds' first chance of the game, but United went ahead when Hallam's superbly-struck effort hit the underside of Henry Kendrick's crossbar and went over the line.

Amir Berkovits was the visitors' main threat, twice going close to getting the Reds back into it, but they were handed an ideal opportunity to do just that when McDonagh went down softly under George Cantrill's challenge in the area. Amissah, though, guessed the right way and held onto Wardle's tamely-struck effort.

Chisholm dragged wide when he should have done better and Blades striker Simeon Oure fired high when well-placed, but the Blades held on for victory

Blades: Amissah, Gordon, Mallon, Broadbent, Cantrill, York, Sheppeard, O. Greaves, Oure, Hallam, Boyes (Williams 53). Not used: Weaver, S. Kelly, Neal, Ackroyd.