A Louie Marsh header after the hour was all that separated the sides despite that dismissal as the Owlets worked hard in the face of a strong Blades outfit that included the likes of John Fleck, Ismaila Coulibaly and Ciaran Clark.
Tyreeq Bakinson and Jaden Brown were the first teamers on display for the boys in blue and white and many came out with credit.
Here are the ratings from a close run thing at S2.
5. Sam Reed - 7
Stuck to his task making some important tackles - one or two that will have left a mark. Did the simple things well and was sound in a positional sense. Looked like a throwback - no nonsense and gritty. In what is effectively a trial period, he was solid and impressed. Photo: Steven Ambler
6. Sean Fusire - 7
Had a task keeping an eye on Buyabu and dropped deeper than he'd usually like on occasion - it was an eye-catching battle that he won. Right on it whenever opportunities to break came and he looked mature on the ball. Photo: Steve Ellis Steve Ellis
7. Rio Shipston - 6
Broke from midfield once or twice to good effect. Sought to make an impact on things and battled hard with no little effort, but in possession he was some way south of his impressive best. Off with 15 to go. Photo: Steve Ellis Steve Ellis
8. Tyreeq Bakinson - 6
Denied at point-blank range from a well-placed Shipston corner and placed a nice pass through the Blades defence to start an attack for Durrant. He was a physical presence as you'd expect but he'd have liked to have had a tighter grip on the game. A worthwhile run-out but one that didn't set the world alight. Photo: Steve Ellis