Despite a spirited comeback the Blades paid the price for some poor defending, as they slipped to a 3-2 defeat against Leeds United at Thorpe Arch on Saturday.

Late goals from Matty Darlow and Troy Pennycooke-Morgan almost saw United steal the most unlikely of points, after three goals inside the opening 32 minutes had given Kevin Fogg's youngsters a mountain to climb.

The visitors started brightly, but Gregory was unable to head home on two occasions after good work by the industrious Chappell.

Moments later naive defending handed Leeds the opening goal on a plate, before two goals in three minutes just after the half-hour mark, all but put the game out of the Blades reach.

The introduction of the combative Liam Wilkinson in midfield seemed to galvanise United after the break and their never-say-die spirit became evident, as the visitors strived to find a way back into the game.

In the 88th minute, the Blades were finally rewarded for their efforts when DARLOW converted from a Murray set-piece, before PENNYCOOKE-MORGAN did the same moments later, to make it a nervy final few minutes for the home side.

Coach Kevin Fogg was pleased with the character his players demonstrated, but bemoaned his team's defending in the first-half that ultimately cost them the game:

"I am delighted with our response in the second period and we thoroughly deserved the clean sheet and two goals, which typifies our character and attitude.

"Saying that, I was bitterly disappointed with how we defended and again that has proved to be our downfall.

"We missed the experience of Foster, James and Roe, who on another day could have made a big difference.

"It has been a testing first-half to the campaign and over the coming months we will give opportunities to several U16's lads to show what they can do, because our policy is about early development."

Blades: Billard, O'Kane (Pennycooke-Morgan 78), Brown, Williams, Darlow, Maguire, Lammy (Wilkinson 45), Murray, Slew, Gregory, Chappell.
Unused: Andrew.