Kevin Fogg was understandably delighted as his young Blades U18s side drew 1-1 against their Arsenal counterparts, who were packed with international talent.

United who will field their youngest ever squad over the coming season, will gain an abundance of confidence from the entertaining draw against the much coveted Gunners.

In a game that ebbed and flowed, Jordan Chappell fired the hosts into a deserved lead on the hour mark, but despite some resolute defending Arsenal's class found them an equaliser late on to deny the Blades what would have been a memorable success.

In front of a large crowd at the Academy, United started well with Foster, Gregory and Chappell all having decent efforts on goal as the they took the game to the visitors early on.

Arsenal, though, began to get a foothold in the game, especially in midfield, where illness forced the home side into a change with the tenacious Wilkinson replacing Murray.

Fogg's side continued to work hard defensively as a team to stop the free-flowing football on view from the Gunners, although Billard wasn't seriously called into action in the first-half.

The second period began with United lifting the tempo with Nathaniel Foster proving a real handful up front.

Therefore, it was no surprise when they went one up on the hour mark. Roe's long throw wasn't cleared properly allowing CHAPPELL to fire home amid wild celebrations on the touchline.

Arsenal knew they had to up the ante after that, but United's back four defended resolutely and were ably assisted by the midfield who offered good protection to the lead.

But as the game become more stretched Arsenal's ability became more evident and good build-up play resulted in the equaliser in the 75th minute.

It would have been easy for the Blades to buckle following the disappointment of being pegged back, but more dogged defending saw them hold on for the huge, confidence boosting draw.

Coach Kevin Fogg was full of praise for his players after the match and insists such games can only benefit his troops:

"This result will act as a building block for the rest of the season and the way the lads performed from start to finish is immensely pleasing.

"This campaign will hopefully be an education for next season and if the youngsters continue to show that attitude and discipline then we should be able to enjoy the challenge that lies ahead.

"This is our youngest ever squad at this level and it is all about developing these lads against some of the best teams in the country.

"A creditable draw against Arsenal means we can go to Portsmouth next week full of confidence."

Blades: Billard, Brown, Roe, Williams, Maguire, James, Lammy (Pennycooke-Morgan 74), Murray (Williams 34), Foster, Gregory (Ahmadi 68), Chappell.
Unused: Andrew, O'Kane.