Bosses Michael Morton and Simon Collins set up with a back-three formation for the first time as they trialled it out ahead of the new season. Taddy created the first clear chance of the contest as Joe Pugh shifted to Alex Metcalfe but the new signing’s shot deflected comfortably into Jordan Amissah’s hands. The Brewers looked confident and assured in their new 3-4-3 formation as they continued to threaten in the first of three thirty minute periods. Some more nice build-up play saw front man Pugh swing and miss at Adam Baker’s cross but it ran invitingly for Paddy Miller who’s low power-blast was well blocked.

The best chance of the first period fell to the home side as Pugh sent Adam Baker running clean through on goal but the winger’s effort was straight at goalkeeper Amissah who palmed away. Former Taddy favourite Harry Sheppeard was starting for the Blades and it was great to see the flying full-back back at Ings Lane but his side were yet to test Tom Young in the Albion goal.

Changes were aplenty all evening but it didn’t disrupt Tad’s efforts as they were aggrieved not to have been given a penalty on 42 minutes as Alex Metcalfe appeared to beat Amissah to the ball however a free-kick to Sheffield was the outcome.

Despite having the better of the chances, it was the youthful Sheffield United side who scored the only goal of the game on 50 minutes as a neat one-two led to Clark Greaves smashing into the back of the net from 10 yards out. As both sides endured a tough work-out in the scorching summer sunshine, Taddy had two good opportunities late on to equalise. First up Billy Whitehouse forced Amissah into making a top save to tip his strike just wide before Joe Pugh squandered a golden chance in the last minute pulling narrowly wide of the target after Aiden Savory threaded a through ball.

All in all it was good test for the Brewers as they tried out a new shape for the first time. They played some very positive football creating plenty of chances along the way.

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