United's second string drew their third consecutive Central League Central Division clash, following a stalemate against Port Vale at Vale Park on Wednesday night.
Johnny Ertl headed the Blades into a first-half lead, but the advantage only lasted three minutes, as Jean-Francois inadvertently deflected the ball into his own net, as United were pegged back in similar fashion to the games against Derby County and Nottingham Forest. Vale included former Blades Kingsley James and Phil Roe.
The home side began the game on the front foot and after Sean Rigg had a shot deflected wide, Ben Williamson fired in an effort which was saved by Mihkel Aksalu, who was making his first appearance of the season after recovering from back surgery.
Charlie Raglan then fired over in the 22nd minute, with midfielder Gary Roberts troubling the visitors from set-pieces and after James had been fouled Roberts shot just wide, although Aksalu appeared to have his angles correct.
United started to come into the game as the first-half progressed with Tonne and Philliskirk looking a threat and the Blades duly took the lead in the 33rd minute. Chapell raced clear down the right and his cross was powerfully headed home by the incoming ERTL.
The lead lasted merely three minutes though. A free-kick from Roberts was flicked on by Williamson and the ball struck the unfortunate Jean-Francois to deceive Aksalu and nestle in the bottom corner.
Aksalu then ensured United went in at half-time on level terms when he was alert to snuff out the threat of Williamson.
Chris Morgan's team started the second-half strongly with Conneely forcing an excellent save from Chris Martin before the dangerous Tonne was denied by the Vale stopper.
The last half hour of the game saw neither goalkeeper troubled with Rigg coming the closest for the hosts, but he shot over when well placed, as the game petered out.
Vale: Martin, Raglan, O'Connor, James, Davis (Thorley 75), C. McDonald, Dodds, Roberts, Williamson, Rigg, Roe (Lloyd 90). Unused: Plant, Johnson, Jeffries.
Blades: Aksalu, Brown, Warren, Conneely, Ertl, Jean-Francois (Parrino 61), Chapell, K. McDonald, Tonne (Murray 79), Philliskirk, Flynn (Gregory 74). Unused: Long.
