Preview | Sheffield United U18s v Swansea City U18s
Swansea City Under-18s are in Professional Development League Cup quarter-final action on Friday afternoon as they take on Sheffield United at Shirecliffe (12pm).
The fixture was originally scheduled to take place on Wednesday, February 21 but was postponed due a waterlogged pitch.
The Swans topped their group during the opening round of the competition following wins over Cardiff City, AFC Bournemouth and a 3-3 draw with Plymouth Argyle; seeing them advance to the knockout stages for the first time.
The young Blades also won their group with victories over Hull City and Harrogate Town, plus a draw against Mansfield Town.
Pre-match views
Coach Jarred Harvey: "It's a big game and it's a knockout fixture. The boys have done incredibly well to get to this stage from the group.
"We were very pleased with the performance against Bournemouth last time out, it's just given them a big boost of confidence.
"We were disappointed to have travelled and see the game called off last week, but those experiences are also a part of their learning.
"We would love to go as far as we can in the competition, and I know the boys will give it their all no matter what. It's a great opportunity."
Previous meeting - February 23, 2021
Sheffield United 5 Swansea City 0
Swansea City Under-18s were well beaten by Sheffield United when they last travelled to face the Blades.
Antwoine Hackford and Tyrese Bailey-Green combined for three of the hosts’ five goals at the Sheffield United Football Academy, as the hosts 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 a 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 beat 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 United 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.