Harry Bunn and Paul Mullin scored as Town Under 21s came from behind against Sheffield United at Canalside to make it nine wins running in the Professional Development League II North.
Spanish striker Cristian Lopez started the game after making a second Championship appearance from the bench in Saturday’s home defeat by Reading, while Calum Woods, Murray Wallace, Anton Robinson and Duane Holmes also featured.
Former Manchester United man Febian Brandy put the Blades ahead in the first half, but on-loan Manchester City player Bunn levelled on 51 minutes before Mullin headed a 77th-minute clincher for Steve Eyre’s unbeaten table toppers, who have dropped only two points.
Town’s only defeat so far this season came against Sheffield Wednesday in the PDL Cup first round, and United had hoped of following in their rivals’ footsteps after midfielder Brandy bagged the opener.
But Bunn equalised with his second goal in as many Under 21 outings, a shot into the top corner from 15 yards, then Mullin headed home from Jordan Sinnott’s inswinging corner in the 77th minute.
It meant a successful end to an encouraging year for the development team, who reached last season’s PDL II play-offs and return to action against Crewe at Canalside on Monday, January 13 (1.00).
Town Under 18s were 1-0 winners at Derby in their latest PDL game.
Season-year scholar Kedesh Goddard scored his first goal of the season to seal an important three points for Town, tapping home after fellow midfielder Ben Atkinson’s shot was saved.
Town’s next game is against Sheffield Wednesday at Canalside on Saturday, January 11 (11.00).
