Match Report
Report: Sheffield United 0-4 Bristol City.
02 May 2026
After a goalless first half, Derby went on to put the hosts to the sword, although Jens Hegeler did score a penalty in the dying embers of the game.
Goalkeeper Frank Fielding completed the full game as he continues his recovery from injury and he made a number of saves throughout.
City would have the first chance in the first few minutes of the game when Barney Soady found Sam Pearson, whose cross took a deflection and fell to Marcus Day. After setting himself well for the volley, his effort was just off target.
Fielding would make the first of many saves of the game just after the 20 minute mark though when Josh Shonibare was played through, but the 30-year-old got his body in the way to push the ball onto the bar.
The goalkeeper would be called into action only minutes later. Jayden Mitchell-Lawson fired low, but Fielding got down and saved well, before Soady cleared the ball from danger.
City’s goalkeeper would be forced into yet another save when he denied Aaron Eyoma who was put through on goal.
As the first half went on, the away side began to control possession but a quick City break resulted in a good chance. Pearson got his toe to the ball to find Sam Bell, who fired the ball to Day. At a tight angle, his shot was saved well by Henrich Ravas.
City would also have the first chance of the second half, too. Good play between Hegeler and Day saw the latter played through on goal but with limited options in the box, Day’s effort was easily claimed by the goalkeeper.
Rory Holden then came within inches of the game’s opener before Jacob Butterfield struck the opener from the penalty spot.
The lead would be doubled moments later too when, from a corner, the ball found its way to Max Hunt, who headed beyond Fielding.
And there would be a third Derby goal not long after as Kyle McAllister tapped in from close range, giving Fielding no chance.
The game slowed until the last few moments when Javaun Splatt nodded home on the line for Derby’s fourth, after Fielding made a brilliant save from the initial effort.
City got their consolation goal when Pearson went down under challenge and the referee awarded his second penalty of the evening as Hegeler converted from the spot.
Attention for Williams’ side will turn to their next fixture, as they travel away to Crystal Palace on December 10th.
City Under-23s: Fielding, Turner-Williams, Soady, Hegeler, Webb, Ali, Day (Williams), Pearson, Bell (Rees), Holden, Morton. Unused subs: Buse.
Words: Ryan Payne.