BURNLEY put up a brave performance before Academy side Sheffield United finally put them to the sword in the FA Youth Cup.

The Blades had beaten the Clarets at first team and reserve team levels in the past 10 days, and completed a hat-trick of wins with three late goals at Bramall Lane after Danny Pitham had given Terry Pashley's youngsters hope with a penalty to level the scores at 1-1.

But United, who had taken the lead just after the hour mark, finally ran out convincing winners thanks a Billy Sharp brace and Ryan Gyaki's close-range effort.

The Clarets had been hit by the fact third year scholars are not eligible to play in Youth Cup games, leaving top scorer Rhys Carpenter sidelined in a young side that including two 15-year-olds.

All the goals came in the final 30 minutes as United's youngsters proved too strong for their Burnley counterparters.

Good work from skipper Ross led to confusion in the Burnley defence and from the edge of the box Marrison fired past Crossley's despairing dive on 62 minutes.

Burnley levelled from the penalty spot four minutes laters after Pugh tumbled under Robertson's outstretched leg and Danny Pitham converted the spot kick.

The Blades' lead was restored when Robertson headed on Ashmore's free-kick and Billy Sharp poked the ball past the exposed Crossley.

Then Marrison again delivered into the penalty area and after Pitham failed to clear, Gyaki was left to fire into the roof of the net from six yards.

A header from Darrell Avery almost brought the Clarets a second but Beanes headed off the line and it was left to Sharp to wrap up the win in injury time.