Sheffield United U23s 1 Burnley U23s 3

Nick Pope returned to action this afternoon for the first time since dislocating his shoulder back in July against Aberdeen, helping the U23’s rise to top of the table with a 3-1 win over Sheffield United.

The England international completed his first 90 minutes on his road to full fitness at the Look Local Stadium on a crisp afternoon in Sheffield.

United’s line-up boasted over 350 professional appearances in Kieron Freeman, John Lundstram, Kean Bryan and former Clarets defender Daniel Lafferty.

But it was Burnley that took the lead with 18 minutes played, through Dwight McNeil’s excellent strike.

The home side then got their equaliser before the break, as Stephen Mallon fired in from close…