Sheffield United reserves 4, City reserves 0

City’s reserves sank to a hefty defeat against a spritely Sheffield United side in tonight’s totesport.com League Division One Central fixture.

A double from Danny Philliskirk, plus further strikes by Harry Maguire and Jean Calve, proved enough for the hosts to pick up all three points at the home of Sheffield FC, the world’s oldest football club.

Junior Lewis’ side included first-team squad members Jake Speight, Chris Elliott, Luke Dean, Louis Horne and Chib Chilaka.

Also included were second-year apprentices Dominic Rowe and Alex Flett, fresh from receiving their senior squad numbers, but City rarely threatened to make a breakthrough.

The Blades probed away at City’s defence during the early stages and were rewarded with the opening goal after 17 minutes when centre half Maguire climbed highest to meet a corner.

The Bantams had a chance to draw level shortly afterwards but Speight, on the stretch, could only head over at the far post from Rowe’s cross.

Speight had another chance when set up by Sofiene Draa but, just as he was going to pull the trigger from close range, Matt Lowton moved across to block away the danger.

The hosts doubled their advantage in the 37th minute when Philliskirk smashed home from close range after David McAllister’s cut-back.

Speight chipped over advancing goalkeeper George Long at the start of the second half but the ball unfortunately cleared the crossbar as well.

Philliskirk added his second goal with a glancing header after 53 minutes and Calve wrapped up the scoring in the 69th with a low drive into the far corner.

City reserves: Elliott, Draa (Baker 57), Lawless, Flett, Horne, Robinson, Rowe (Green 81), Dean, Chilaka, Speight, Stephenson (Forsyth 63). Subs (not used): Tongue, Marshall.