Bury 0:3 Sheffield United
Kevin Blackwell's side maintained their unbeaten pre-season run after victories against Floriana, Sheffield FC and Chesterfield - another team were added to United's demolition list. Kevin Blackwell left new attacker Ched Evans out of the side, but awarded fellow new acquisitions Keith Treacy and Ryan France a berth on the bench. Trialist Jonathan Fortune featured, as did Glen Little but Julian Gray wasn't involved.
Both sides seemed to keep the game at a calm pace for the opening several minutes. Cotterill whipped a cross in but no one was there, Carlton was denied for the Shakers by veteran goalkeeper Ian Bennett.
Reid produced his pace but didn't capitalise, Cotterill also fired wide. Brain Howard struck the ball sweetly and was unlucky not to see it hit the back of the net, it flew wide of the goalie's post.
Pint-sized figure Jamie Ward was showing his trickery on the byline, he put the ball on a plate for Leigh Bromby who could nod home the opener and his second in as many pre-season games.
A few bursts on the wings from both sides didn't produce much - half-time came. Kevin Blackwell made a string of changes at the halfway-mark, including new recruits Ryan France and Keith Treacy.
Carlton missed a gilt-edged chance for the Lancastrians to pull the deficit back to level terms. Alan Knill made his batch of substitutions, then shortly after, Baker's attempt was terrifically saved by Bennett.
Treacy swung in two lovely crosses but United couldn't put the tie to bed. Glen Little, who could have featured for the last time on his trial-period at Bramall Lane, laid the ball off to Jordan Robertson beautifully who could exquisitely hammer home United's second.
The Blades were denied a penalty with five minutes remaining, but they weren't too concerned when they shortly made it three when academy graduate Connor Brown directed the ball towards Robertson and the striker could bag his second with a nick off the post.
Sheffield United have one game left of their pre-season programme, and that's Lincoln away on Tuesday night. There's just under a fortnight left until the new campaign gets off and running, and the team is shaping up, especially with further signings possibly imminent.