PROFESSIONAL Development Phase Lead Coach Sam Rose felt that the Burton Albion under 18s played well against Sheffield United but were punished for missing chances by two great goals.
The Brewers were on top for much of the first-half and could have felt unfortunate not to have gone in at half-time in the lead.
Two long-range strikes from United’s Jordan Doherty in the second-half settled the tie at Bramall Lane, but Rose believes that Burton did not let the Blades have it all their own way, but was frustrated that the young Brewers did not take their chances.
He said: “Overall, we are relatively pleased with how the lads have conducted themselves and the performance in general. The result is really disappointing, I think they have scored from two half chances, two shots that have nestled in the corner.
“The lads, particularly in the first-half, were solid and I think that we had Sheffield United rattled at points and had a couple of really good chances to score a goal which we did not put away, but we came in at half-time with a real buzz and we were full of confidence that the second-half would be a repeat of the first.
“But they scored a goal early in the half from a long way out and then the second goal really took the game away from us. They are a good side and it was a professional performance from them once they went two up.
“That’s football, two good strikes have won them the game. There was not a lot in it really, so we can be pleased with that. We're proud of this group of players and they can hold their heads high as they really stood up to the challenge for the most part tonight.''
Despite the result, Rose said that the chance to play at Bramall Lane, and in the Cup, is another good experience for the players.
“It was a superb experience for the players, you cannot say enough about how important games like these are for the lads for their development. The first-team manager and Head of Recruitment, Nigel and Simon Clough, were at the game which is absolutely a tremendous opportunity for the players and shows that the Academy have that support from a club point-of-view.”