A makeshift Blues reserve side lost by a solitary goal to Sheffield United in a behind-closed-doors match at Wast Hills this afternoon.

Blues included no less than four triallists in their starting line-up.

But some experience was provided with the inclusion of Colin Doyle, Martin Taylor and Quincy.

The game also saw former Blues goalkeeping favourite Ian Bennett return to his old club with the Blades, and ex-Sunderland man Anthony Stokes leading the front line for the visitors.

The only goal of the game arrived less than five minutes in when United broke down the left before squaring the ball for their player to slot home from close range.

Playing in what were extremely wet and windy conditions, Blues created their first chance on 15 minutes, but Quincy's goalbound shot was pushed away Bennett as it looked to be heading into the bottom corner of the net.

Blues were having plenty of the ball at this stage in the game but were unable to break down a well-marshalled United defence.

Then on 27 minutes and somewhat against the general run of player the visitors almost doubled their advantage with a cleanly taken 25 yard shot that looked to be heading straight towards the top corner of Doyle's net.

But diving at full stretch the Blues keeper managed to get his finger tips to the ball and tip it over the bar for a corner.

Quincy then found space for himself in the box before letting fly with a low shot that went some two yards the wrong side of the post.

With half time approaching one of the triallists was brought down just outside the United box.

After picking himself up off the ground he took the kick himself and curled in a quality free kick, which unfortunately bounced back off the right hand post.

The second period was very evenly matched, with much of the football taking place in the centre of the pitch with the odd foray down the wing.

That was until Blues had a glorious opportunity to equalise the score through Charlie Kodalak.

Blues beat the offside trap on the right side of the field before the ball back was dragged back to Kodalak, but with just Bennett to beat the youngster saw his shot blocked by the former Blue.

Both sides continue to press but with little success.

All-in-all it was a decent display by a Blues side that was so unfamiliar to each other on what was a sodden pitch. 

Full time: Blues Reserves 0  Sheffield Reserves 1

Blues: Doyle, A Triallist, Timmins, M McPike, Martin Taylor (Rowe), B Triallist, C Triallist, D Triallist, Jervis, Quincy, Hronec (Kodalak).
Subs not used: Rutter, McKerr.