SHEFFIELD United manager Chris Wilder was pleased with the test his Sky Bet Championship side faced when taking on York City on Saturday.

The Blades boss was happy that his side didn’t dominate in a one-sided performance against Vanarama National League opposition in their pre-season opener, feeling that his United side benefitted from a challenging contest.

York had led initially through Tyrese Sinclair when breaking through on goal and producing a composed finish just nine minutes in, before Ryan One equalised from close-range.

Sheffield United won the friendly in the second-half with a superb strike from Will Osula, but both sides could be pleased with encouraging performances.

Wilder was pleased with the competitive nature of the match, and with the performance of his team.

Wilder told the Sheffield United media team: “It was a bit stop-start, as it usually happens in the first time that the players get out there.

“We’ve had two 45’s, we’ve had 14 or 15 involved out of the academy, which is great news for them.

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“There are things to work on, it was a new shape which we have only just introduced to them so for them to get to grip with that shape, it will take time.

“We want to be flexible, we want to be able to play four at the back with different sort of ideas, players playing in different positions as well.

“I’m looking to physically come through it, for everyone to be at full tilt, which they did.

“It was great to get a win in front of our supporters, a great turnout from our supporters yet again.

“It’s been the competitive day that you want it to be, no disrespect but it wasn’t going up to Stocksbridge and winning 9-0 or going somewhere and winning by five or six.

Harrison Male keeps out an effort from Louie Marsh. Picture: Tom PooleHarrison Male keeps out an effort from Louie Marsh. Picture: Tom Poole (Image: Tom Poole)

“We wanted it to be competitive and we got that, it’s a decent start for us.”

However, Wilder wasn’t too impressed by the standard of goal his side conceded, with initially came through a mistake which allowed Ricky Aguiar to feed Sinclair through one-on-one.

Wilder also took the time to praise the second-half display of City shot-stopper Ryan Watson, who made multiple impressive stops.

“We’re a bit disappointed with our goal, it was a mistake and we understand that that might happen in pre-season,” Wilder admitted.

“They then sit in, make it really difficult for us and have a low block.

“I was delighted to get back into the game, it was a great finish by Ryan. In the second-half when we changed the team around, Will Osula was outstanding on the left and could have possibly had a hat-trick, it was a great finish from him.

“Rhian [Brewster] had a great chance and the ‘keeper has made an unbelievable save.”