Following Stevenage's victory at Crewe the Blades dropped into the relegation zone following this draw in a game which they otherwise expected to end in defeat. Leyton Orient was defeated for the first time this season and as a result share poll position with Peterborough who will no doubt be reeling from this draw.
Caretaker manager Chris Morgan had plenty to smile about after claiming point at London Road which has become something of a fortress this term having only lost once at home and has handed Championship side Reading a football education in a 6-0 win in the League Cup previous.
The former United (and Barnsley) defender believes that this was his last game in temporary charge for the S2 club with Nigel Clough looking imminent to take charge. He fielded a 4-5-1 formation with Simon Lappin (on loan from Cardiff City) replacing the injured Matt Hill and Conor Coady coming in for Marlon King.
The visitors hit the ground running from the off and it was on-loan Liverpool midfielder Coady who had the first 'good' chance of the game - shooting wide of the margin after just 6 minutes. Posh replied with strong pressure with a hat full of chances to follow; Danny Swanson on 14 minutes drew a save from George Long before Tyrone Barnett dragged wide at the angle.
Paul Taylor and Tommy Rowe came close but the best chance came on 37 minutes when Blades' Lyle Taylor smashed the crossbar with his eccentric effort.
Febian Brandy fired wide short after as United went close to opening the scoring - just before the break Michael Bostick was denied from a great save from Long. Taylor (Posh) hit over the bar and at the other end as did Harry Maguire as both sides looked the steal all three points.
Assombalonga was thrown on to add extra threat but United held on almost went close when Lappin guided a free-kick over the bar towards the death after King was fouled on the edge of the area but neither side could score a point.