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.
13. Josh Ashman - 7
On into the centre of defence as Wednesday looked to change things and acquitted himself nicely, confident in possession and in defence. Missed a headed chance after the hour that may well have been better than he thought. Good work to snuff out an incisive Blades attack on 75 minutes. Photo: Steve Ellis
4 / 4