Sheffield United got a big win to start their pre-season after recording a 5-1 victory over Stocksbridge Park Steels.
The Blades surprised many by challenging for a spot in the Sky Bet Championship play-offs last season just a year after getting promoted a season before. But they don’t want to hit a sophomore slump this season and having a good pre-season is key to that. And so they will be very happy to record such a confident victory over non-league Stocksbridge.
United started off on the front foot and never really stopped. On the 12th minute mark, John Fleck showed he would be at top form once again by scoring with a strike from the edge of the box after some nice build up play. Just five minutes later it was 2-0 with Billy Sharp finishing in his trademark style. Before the half was over it would be three was Sharp got another when he made the most of a defensive mix-up to score.
As is the case with many friendlies, United decided to change the entire team going into the second half. But despite the different team, it was much the same. Just four minutes after the restart, youngster Tyler Smith staked his claim for a spot in the first team with a goal. Stocksbridge would show some fight and they were able to get a consolation in the second half when Swinburn netted for them. But the game would end as it started, with a goal for the Blades, this time it being Caolan Lavery scoring.
