Worksop Town 0-2 Blades - match report
United opened the pre-season campaign with a win for new boss Bryan Robson. A Danny Webber penalty and Chris Lucketti's tap-in secured the success at Worksop Town.
The first half opened in summer sunshine, whilst the second started with a heavy downpour but the Blades dominated and goalkeepers Paddy Kenny and Ian Bennett didn't have a save to make all evening.
Many Blades fans made up the crowd of 1,679 and they saw trialist Silvio Spann for the first time. The Trinidad international midfielder played a full 90 minutes, whilst his compatriot Jan-Michael Williams, a goalkeeper, is expected to feature in the friendly at Alfreton on Tuesday.
United had to wait until the 15th minute before creating the first chance of the game but Webber's 20-yard shot was straight at Worksop goalkeeper Matthewson, who then stopped another effort, this time from Jon Stead.
The opening goal arrived on 22 minutes courtesy of a disputed penalty. When Ahmed Fathi's shot struck the arm of former Blade Kev Davies, referee Wigglesworth appeared to wave play on but took the advice of one of his assistants and pointed to the spot. WEBBER netted the penalty, although Matthewson got a hand to the effort.
Stead went close to extending the lead either side of half-time, shooting at the Worksop goalkeeper before the break and slicing wide in the second. Stead also shot across the goal after Webber's cross had beaten Matthewson on 57 minutes.
United's second goal arrived on 63 minutes when the central defensive partnership combined from a corner. From Chris Armstrong's delivery, Chris Morgan's shot was partially blocked and LUCKETTI touched in from close range at the back post.
In the later stages United continued to attack but Worksop defended well to keep the score down. A great long-range effort from Spann saw Matthewson parry and although Webber tucked the ball home, the linesman's flag had already been raised.
Matthewson raced off his line to block from Alan Quinn, Webber cut in from the left and shot just over and then trialist Spann curled another effort wide before the final whistle.
Blades: Kenny (Bennett 45), Geary, Morgan, Lucketti, Armstrong, Fathi, Ashmore, A. Quinn, Spann, Stead, Webber.
Subs: Horwood, Robertson, Donnelly, Naughton, Kerry.