Albion 2 Sheffield United 1: Joseph and Silsby on target for men's under-21s

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Albion continued their unbeaten run in the PL2 Cup.

Nick Szczepanik

2026-10-09T21:00+01:00

Albion ran out 2-1 winners against the Blades. 📸 by Paul Hazlewood.

Albion are in charge of PL2 Cup Group F after beating Sheffield United 2-1 in a feisty encounter at the American Express Elite Football Performance Centre.

Valentin Joseph put Albion ahead after 13 minutes. The Blades levelled early in the second half but Tyler Silsby restored the lead in the 54th minute.

But it was a bad-tempered game, with ten yellow cards shown by referee Chay Hathway.

Albion’s previous results in the competition had been a 2-0 home victory over Millwall and a 1-1 draw away to West Ham United. They play each team again once each, with the top two in each group progressing to the knock-out stage.

Valentin Joseph put Albion in front early on. 📸 by Paul Hazlewood.

Head coach Shannon Ruth deployed his players in a fluid attacking formation with only three specialist defenders, and the team pushed forward at pace early on, threatening to overrun the visitors at times.

They were ahead in the 13th minute. Silsby floated over a cross from the right and it seemed Younes Ibrahim must head home as he charged in at the far post. But somehow he failed to make a proper connection and as the ball bounced loose it was left to Joseph to knock it past goalkeeper Tommy Betts.

It was his second goal since joining the club from Blackburn Rovers in the summer, and he almost set up Shane Nti for a second, the midfielder sending his left-foot shot inches wide.

The Blades were forced to make some uncompromising challenges to blunt the home side’s attacks, with three yellow cards shown to their players before the interval.

Tyler Silsby restored Albion's lead in the second half. 📸 by Paul Hazlewood.

Albion’s back three had had far less defending to do, and on the few occasions when they came under pressure, skipper Callum Mackley was usually able to make a calm interception.

But he was unable to intervene when United eventually made an opening, midfield player Billy Blacker taking a pass from the left and firing in from 22 yards.

That came in the 51st minute, but Albion were back in front within three minutes. The Yorkshiremen must have thought they had cleared the danger when Kofi Shaw’s attempt at a flying volley was blocked. But Joseph took possession and found Silsby, who shot home through a crowd of defenders.

Substitute Bailey Palmer might have settled any nerves but blasted over from 15 yards.

Albion: Lorenz Ferdinand; Alakiu (Outen 66), Mackley, Tate Ferdinand; Kasvosve (Anton Palmer 60), Shaw, Nti, Ibrahim (Lane 60); Silsby (Bailey Palmer 78), Joseph (West 78), Oriola.