WORCESTER City gave tantalising glimpses of what could await fans in the forthcoming Nationwide North campaign despite losing 2-0 to a patchwork Sheffield United side.
Andy Preece's team more than matched their South Yorkshire opponents on occasions at St George's Lane last night before succumbing to second-half goals from Nicky Law and Dominic Roma.
The night promised so much with the prospect of Neil Warnock's Premiership new boys in town, yet City can have every right to feel aggrieved at the side sent out to face them.
It would be a surprise if any of the starting 11 figured against Liverpool on the opening day of the Blades' return to top-flight football this month.
Only ex-Aston Villa left-back Alan Wright and Nick Montgomery were recognisable in a disappointing reserve side. Not even boss Warnock put in an appearance.
Frankly, City deserved better for a friendly arranged as part of the deal that took Worcester teenager Sam Wedgbury to Bramall Lane.
They produced a performance that at times was slick and accomplished.
City had the majority of play for the first 20 minutes and created several chances through Adam Webster, Craig Wilding and Adam Burley.
New signing Wilding had the best of the opportunities, blasting over from 18 yards after good work from Burley.
United were sloppy early on but they gradually began to get a foothold on the game and Colin Marrison forced a fine one-handed save from Danny McDonnell on 36 minutes.
Jai Stanley's superb through-ball six minutes later saw Webster's stretching effort saved at the other end by Jamie Annerson.
Not surprisingly, the second-half descended into a flurry of substitutions although it was punctuated with some good football at times.
United's efforts were rewarded on 59 minutes when Law carried the ball 30 yards before striking high past McDonnell. Their lead was extended four minutes later by Roma in scrappy fashion.
Kyle McFadzean's initial effort was blocked on the post by sub Tom Warmer only for the ball to fall into the path of Roma to prod home.
A City goal would have done justice to their efforts and the lively Troy Wood, on for Stanley, almost provided it in spectacular style on 80 minutes.
Warmer's pinpoint cross from the right was met acrobatically by Wood's over-head kick, which sent Annerson flying to tip the ball wide.
City: McDonnell, Sztybel, Burley (Watkins 85), Smith, Pearce (Khan 82), Hodnett, Stanley (Wood 70), Colley (Walker 82), Wilding, Webster, Clegg (Warmer 45). Subs not used: Preece, Lyttle, Langford.
Attendance: 1,023.
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