Pools Reserves fell to defeat at Sheffield United but the performance gave plenty of positive to boss Ian Butterworth.

A very youthful line-up competed all the way against an experienced Blades line-up which included former Premiership stars Lee Hendrie and Geoff Horsfield.

Pools' young defence kept Sheffield at bay until just before half time when they found a way through and it was 1-0 at the interval.

However, Pools came out fighting in the second period and produced a battling display that led to them getting back on level terms.

Clever footwork by Michaal Mackay saw him tripped inside the penalty area and he tucked away the equaliser himself from the spot.

However, it wasn't enough to rescue a point as the Blades pushed their noses back in front with a quarter of an hour left on the clock.

"Overall, I was pleased with the performance," Butterworth admitted afterwards.

"We played very well, especially in the second half and it's a great education for our youngsters.

"For Joe Tait to make his first start for the Reserves and come up against a player like Geoff Horsfield was a great challenge but that's what it's all about.

"There were plenty of positives to take from the game; I am pleased with the lads," he added.

Full Time: Sheffield United 2 Pools 1

Pools: Lee-Barrett, Gibb, Gott, Tait, Robson, Turnbull, Young, Maidens, Haigh (Rowell 80), Foley (Race 87), Mackay.

Subs not used: Allison, Trevena, Forbes.