Will Buse - 6
Had little chance with the host's two goals but made a good stop to deny Hackford in the first half. Left his best save for the second period when he came off his line in the blink of an eye to deny Staniland who looked certain to score.
Zac Bell - 7
Started on the right of the defensive three, away from his usual wing-back role. Always seems comfortable no matter his position and can't have any fingers pointed towards his direction for the two Sheffield United goals. Frustated himself with a couple of overhit crosses when in good positions.
Joe Low - 6
Made an imposing block to deny Louie Marsh but was unfortunate to slip on the soaked turf that allowed the United playmaker to open the scoring. The pace of the host's attack asked one or two questions but aside from one or two moments, didn't seem particularly troubled.
Jamie Knight-Lebel - 6
Relatively assured performance although did have a nervy moment when he allowed his opponent to run in behind only for the eventual strike to come back off the post.
Elijah Morrison (off 70, Campbell-Slowley) - 6
Started on the left at wing-back but moved to the right midway through the first half. Almost scored a brilliant effort from distance when he rippled the roof of the net. It was a mismatch for height for the second goal when his marker headed in off the post.
Some real moments of class with his ability to break forward at pace but drifted in and out of the game.
Harry Leeson - 6
May feel he could have been stronger in the challenge to allow Brooks to get in a cross that led to Sheffield United's second. Passing range was impressive as always but wasn't able to get forward to show his quality in advanced areas and wide positions on a regular occurrence.
When he did, he was part of the superb passing move that led to Sam Bell's goal.
Ben Acey - 7
Took a nasty knock to the head early on but it didn't faze him. Sat a little deep in the first half but became much more influential when he played higher up the field in the second period. Started taking gambles by moving into the box which became a problem for the United defence and had a great interchange with Leeson and Pearson to assist Bell.
Omar Taylor-Clarke - 6
Very neat and tidy in possession and has that unique ability to drop his shoulder to run past his players. Was probably the standout performer in the first half with his combative play and continued to sit deeper in midfield in the second half. Set-pieces could have been better on occasions but drifted out of the game in the second 45 minutes.
Sam Pearson - 6
Quiet in the first 45 minutes, apart from a great interchange with Bell that almost led to a goal. Came to life in the second period and looked lively with his movement in the box. Showed his ability from set-pieces with a free-kick effort that went close. Heavily involved in the build-up to City's goal and is building a really good understanding with Bell.
Seb Palmer-Houlden (off 56, Marley Rose) - 5
Started alongside Bell but couldn't impose himself on the contest and City were unable to take advantage of his height through the wing-backs. A quiet appearance before coming off after the second went in.
Sam Bell - 7
Came within inches of maintaining his goalscoring form when his left-footed strike narrowly avoided the inside of the post in the first half. Got into some really good positions in the box and was rewarded with his fourth goal in two games when he finished off an excellent move forward.
Substitutes
Marley Rose (on 56, Palmer-Houlden) - 6
Added presence in the middle on his introduction and allowed City to have that extra body which helped swing the tide of the game.
Josh Campbell-Slowley (on 70, Morrison) - N/A
Slotted in on the left of the back three - didn't have an awful lot to do with City enjoying most of the play going forward. Does have plenty of pace to track back.
Subs not used: Casa-Grande, Henry, Wood
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