Sheffield Wednesday’s under-18s battled hard but lost out in the second ‘mini-derby’ in five days against Sheffield United at Middlewood Road.

Red-hot Owls forwards Bailey Cadamateri and Alex Bonnington – who went into the clash with eight goals between them in Wednesday’s last two matches – were unable to get much joy out of a resolute Blades defence.

United ran into a 2-0 lead after just 16 minutes through defender Beau Anderson and former Arsenal striker Will Lankshear. Despite a handful of chances for the home side that was how the score remained.

Andy Holdsworth’s side went into the derby four unbeaten and off the back of three consecutive wins. The defeat means they remain in midtable of the under-18 Professional Development League North.

Sheffield Wednesday's youngsters feel to defeat to their city rivals Sheffield United.

placeholder image — Sheffield Wednesday's youngsters feel to defeat to their city rivals Sheffield United.

Despite the inclusion of several first team players, Wednesday’s under-23s were hammered by United last Friday, surrendering to a 4-0 defeat in which on-loan midfielder Izzy Brown was sent off.