Robins Hold Blades To Draw

Just days ago the Blades beat local non-league side Frechville 9-0 in an all Steel City Challenge. Michael Tonge put United a head and 30mins into the game the Blades were 4-0 up after new signing Jack Lester completed his hat-trick. Wayne Allison, Michael Brown, Colin Cryan, Carl Asaba and an own goal completed the scoring.

In the game at Cheltenham the Blades dominated the first half which produced two goals from Steve Kabba and Jack Lester, but a brave comback in the second and both sides could have stole the game right at the end.

Michael Brown (injured), Peter Ndlovu (holiday) and Stuart McCall (left out) all missed the game for various reasons but Neil Warnock still put out a fairly strong squad. At the start it was one way traffic as United showed their skill.

United, playing in their navy blue away kit went close right from the start, Montgomery flashed a shot over the bar and came very close when his effort was saved by the keepers legs after Kozluk gave the Scotland U-21 International a opportunity.

New signing Jack Lester was the next to be denied in front of goal, he cut in from the left where is fantastic shot was pushed away, but the goal finally came in 26th minute.

A Michael Tonge corner was met by the welcoming head of Asaba but was saved and went for another corner. Tonge, again supplied the cross which was once again headed by Asaba but nodded for STEVE KABBA to smash the ball home.

Just twelve minutes later 1-0 became 2-0 when JACK LESTER was clearly brought down in penalty area, the former Nottingham Forest striker picked himself up and slotted home with ease.

Just before half-time Tonge's shot zipped across the ground but was well saved by Book and Kabba's shot was so powerful that the keeper need two attempts at saving his blushes.

Half-Time: Cheltenham Town 0-2 Sheffield United

It wasn't until the 55th minute that the Robins won there first corner in the game, United made a few changes at half-time which disrupted the game for the visitors.

Mike Whitlow got in an attacking position on the the wing, and when his cross ended up in a near by garden the traveling Blades fans chanted "He's a Blade".

Tonge (later named Man of the Match) was all over the place but the home side where able to get a result against a side that beat the likes of Liverpool and Leeds United. half-time substitute PAUL BRAYSON bagged a brace in 62nd and 88th minutes to draw home side level.

Just moments later, Blades defender Colin Cryan looked set to make his tally two in two friendly's as he lobbed the keeper but the Republic of Ireland U-21 lob struck the up right and Brayson almost grabbed an hat-trick but shot over the bar when one-on-one with Paddy Kenny.

Full-Time: Cheltenham Town 2-2 Sheffield United

The Blades will now travel down to Cornwall where they will face Penryn and Tavistock AFC. Incidentally Blades-Mad has provided Tavistock with great player-profiles which will be published in the match day programme so make sure you get that.