Mistakes proved costly as Huddersfield Town Under 21s suffered a 2-1 defeat against Sheffield United at the John Smith’s Stadium.
Coach Frankie Bunn named two overage players, Radi Majewski and Joe Lolley, in his team for the Professional Development League II North clash.
Town also gave a trial to 20-year-old Irish left-back Anthony O’Donnell, who featured for the first 45 minutes.
Unfortunately the former Cobh Ramblers player’s misplaced pass allowed United in for their opener after 10 minutes, with Jamie McDonagh finishing smartly.
Striker Flo Bojaj should have restored parity from Majewski’s 17th-minute corner but headed his effort too close to the keeper from close range.
Then midfielder Matt Crooks headed wide.
The introduction of Jake Charles and Sondre Tronstad for the second half led to a dominant spell for Town.
But clear-cut chances will still few and far between.
The lively Lolley was always a threat to the Blades, but it was their substitute Jake Wright who came close with an angled shot.
Duane Holmes, who also caught the eye for Town, shot wide after neatly drawing the keeper.
The visitors stretched their lead with another breakaway goal.
Winger Joel Coustrain led the counter and played a great ball into the box for striker Wright to control.
Lloyd Allinson should have kept out the low shot but it squirmed past him and into the net.
Substitute Daniel Carr provided hope when he volleyed in from Holmes’ chipped cross.
Carr and Charles both had efforts blocked as the Blades held out for the three points.
Team: Lloyd Allinson, Joe Wilkinson, Anthony O’Donnell (Sondre Tronstad, HT), Duane Holmes, Joe Wright, William Boyle, Radoslaw Majewski (Jake Charles, HT), Philip Billing, Joe Lolley, Flo Bojaj (Daniel Carr, 78mins), Matt Crooks.
Subs Ed Wilczynski, Ben Atkinson.
