Danny Wilson took charge of his first game as SUFC boss, and included many fringe and youth players in the starting line-up, with the bench also filled with very few first-teamers.
Matt Lowton, Ched Evans, Nick Montgomery and Stephen Quinn were amongst many senior squad members NOT in appearance at a sunbathed ground, packed with mainly Unitedites.
The Blades side included FA Youth Cup finalists George Long, Harry Maguire and Matty Harriott, whilst Jordan Slew, Shane Murray and Carlos Pomares were substitutes.
United aired their new yellow and black away kit for the first time which, incidentally, didn't have a sponsor emblazoned on it as discussions are ongoing.
In what was a fairly drab encounter, it was United who would take the initiative through new permanent signing Danny Philliskirk. He was the quickest to react after Maguire's speculative long-range effort struck the post and the striker was there to turn the ball home.
In the second-half, a cross into the box from Sheffield cause havoc in the Blades' penalty area, with goalkeeper George Long charging off his line and flapping at the ball, allowing FC's Purkiss to convert into the top-corner.
United had a few chances to secure victory but were denied by a strongly spirited Sheffield backline.
Danny Wilson oversaw a tough first test for the Blades in sweltering heat but was, however, taking a backseat role at the Coach and Horses ground, with Chris Morgan doing plenty of the shouting and instructing on the touchline.
Wilson takes his troops to Worksop Town's Sandy Lane on Tuesday night, and he has revealed that many more first-team players will travel.
The full-time score from the Coach and Horses is: Sheffield FC 1:1 Sheffield United.
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