John Paul McGovern scored the only goal of the game for Sheffield United as Third Division York produced a plucky display in the Worthington Cup first round clash at Bramall Lane.

After a scrappy start, the Blades took the lead after 12 minutes when McGovern, on loan from Celtic, lashed the ball home from the edge of the area after Shaun Murphy had flicked on a throw-in.

Tom Cowan was booked for the visitors after 18 minutes before Murphy and Nick Montgomery both went close to doubling the advantage for Neil Warnock's side.

York goalkeeper Alan Fettis made an excellent save to deny Iffy Onuora just after the break before Michael Tonge drilled a shot over the crossbar.

However, Terry Dolan's men almost levelled matters just after the hour when Darren Edmondson forced Paddy Kenny into a scrambling save.

Lee Bullock had a header blocked by Murphy as the visitors began to apply some late pressure, but Carl Asaba missed a sitter at the other end to make the game safe.

Sheff Utd: Kenny, Kozluk, Jagielka, Murphy, Ullathorne, McGovern, McCall, Montgomery, Tonge, Peschisolido, Onuora. Subs: Brown, Asaba, Ten Heuvel, Doane, Cryan.

York: Fettis, Smith, Brass, Cowan, Edmondson, Bullock, Brackstone, Potter, Hobson, Nogan, Duffield. Subs: Yalcin, Mathie, Howarth, Jones, Carvalho.

Referee: M Warren (W Midlands).