Barnsley U18s slipped to a narrow home defeat against local rivals Sheffield Utd in front of a healthy 200+ crowd on Oakwell's Academy pitch.

On a tough, slow surface, both teams played some good, neat football despite the conditions and neither side gave too much away in the opening stages.

Noble-Lazarus looked lively for the Reds, flashing a couple of shots at goal before Slew was denied for United when one-on-one.

The Blades hit the woodwork before a Jordan Slew effort was ruled out for offside on 37 minutes.

Slew was again denied just before the break, this time by Reds' goalkeeper, Lidakevicius.

On 65 minutes the Blades broke the deadlock after an out-swinging corner was met by a powerful header from Harry Maguire.

With less than 20 minutes left United sprung a counter attack and bagged a second after the Reds had a chance to equalise through Rose - Terry Kennedy's cool effort doubled the away side's advantage.

Barnsley certainly didn't roll over and played some excellent football down the right flank involving Rose and Noble-Lazarus.

Promising youngster Reuben Noble-Lazarus added to his growing reputation after he fired an unstoppable 25-yard volley into the top corner - handing the Tykes a way back into the match.

Ronnie Branson's side could and probably should have equalised with only a couple of minutes remaining. After a scramble in the Blades' area, the ball fell for full-back John Stones who saw his effort cleared off the line.

There was still time, however, for the away side to attack and Lidakevicius had to be at his best to deny a deflected effort which seemed to be heading into the top corner - it was a wonderful save from the Lithuanian.

It was a great effort from Branson's youngsters, who competed well against a strong Blades outfit.