Sheffield United had another positive pre-season result on Saturday afternoon as they thrashed Chesterfield 3-0 in North Derbyshire. A first half goal from Will Osula was followed up by second half strikes from trialist Andre Dozzell and youngster Owen Hampson.
Several players missed out at the Proact: Anel Ahmedhodzic, Anis Slimane, Jamie Shackleton, Vinicius Souza and Gustavo Hamer were not risked by Chris Wilder, but all of them are looking to be available for the upcoming friendly on Tuesday night against Harrogate Town. Ahmedhodzic, Shackleton and Hamer travelled with the squad.
Lineups
Blades: A. Davies (Grbic 60), Seriki (Sachdev 71), McCallum (Boyes 71), Sasnauskas (Curtis 71), Trusty (Robinson 71), Peck (Blacker 71), Arblaster (O’Hare 60), Brooks (One 71), Marsh (Dozzell 60), Osula (Hampson 38), Moore (Brewster 60).
Unused subs: Faxon, Freckleton, Easton, Hackford.
First half
Sheffield United took control of proceedings after a half chance from the home side through veteran striker Will Grigg.
The youngsters in the side linked up very well, especially down the right as Femi Seriki and Andre Brooks unlocked the opposition just after 20 minutes – some neat touches from Seriki around the box saw the ball poke out to Brooks on the right who cut the ball back perfectly for Will Osula and he tucked the ball home into the bottom corner with a first-time effort.
Osula, Marsh, Brooks and Moore had chances in a crowded box, while Marsh also had a shot blocked after an error by Chesterfield.
Before the break Osula was forced off as a precaution after receiving a whack in the face via a thunderous shot.
Second half
Andre Dozzell and Callum O’Hare came on as substitutes around the hour mark, and both of them had a huge impact on the game. Dozzell, the former QPR midfielder got himself on the scoresheet as a punch away from a Blades corner fell to him outside the box and he powered a strike through a crowded six-yard box in the 79th minute.
Sheffield United would soon grab their third of the afternoon through some excellent work from another debutant O’Hare.
The ex Coventry City man picked the ball up in midfield, danced away from a few Chesterfield players before picking out Owen Hampson on the right of the penalty area, and the youngster drove inside on his left foot and produced a stunning low-driven shot beyond the home keeper.
Chris Wilder’s red and white wizards will now prepare for a quick turnaround on Tuesday evening against non-league Harrogate Town. After that, United will have two pre-season games left: Rotherham United next Saturday. The Blades play their final friendly on August 2nd against Huddersfield Town at the John Smith’s stadium.