Preview | Sheffield United U18s v Swansea City U18s
Swansea City Under-18s round off a busy week when they travel to Yorkshire to face Sheffield United on Saturday morning (11am).
The young Swans will hope to put Wednesday's Professional Development League Cup final heartbreak behind them - after defeat to Millwall following extra-time - as they enter the closing stages of their season.
Last time out in the league, the Swans were beaten by Burnley at Landore. But, the age-grade side have won their last two games on the road against Ipswich Town and Fleetwood Town respectively.
The Blades, meanwhile, have won two out of their last five fixtures, as well as suffering defeat to Wigan Athletic recently.
It's the second time the Welsh side have made the trip to Sheffield United this season, having claimed a 3-0 victory over the Blades in the PDL Cup quarter-finals.
Pre-match views
Coach Jarred Harvey: "It's a quick turnaround, with one day of recovery in between the final and this game.
"I know the boys are gutted to have lost the final, they gave it their all and they can be proud of the journey they have been on.
"But that's football and we go again on Saturday, and we can look at finishing the season strongly."
Previous meeting - February 23, 2021
Sheffield United 5 Swansea City 0
Swansea City Under-18s were well beaten by Sheffield United in Professional Development League South in their last league meeting in Yorkshire.
Antwoine Hackford and Tyrese Bailey-Green combined for three of the hosts’ five goals at the Sheffield United Football Academy, as they extended their unbeaten run to four games.
The visitors fell behind after five minutes in Yorkshire. Hackford, who had recently made his senior debut for the Blades in their Premier League clash with Burnley, arrived to turn home Bailey-Green’s cross.
The lead was doubled 16 minutes later when Josh Smith’s strike deflected past Swansea keeper Tyler Evans.
United made it 3-0 less than 20 seconds into the second half as Hackford charged down Evans’ clearance, allowing Bailey-Green to slot home from close range.
The same two players combined for the hosts’ fourth goal in the 68th minute; Bailey-Green firing into the roof of the net from Hackford’s cross.
And skipper Oliver Arblaster completed the scoring five minutes later when he tucked away from the penalty spot.
Swansea City U18s: Tyler Evans; Panashe Makokowe, Jada Mawongo, Scott Butler (captain), Ryan Bassett; Joel Cotterill, Josh Edwards (Cameron Congreve, 53), Ben Lloyd (Cian Williams, 85); Adnaan Moti (Adrian Akande, 60), Geoff Bony, Rio Campbell.
Subs not used: Josh Hutchings, Kai Ludvigsen.