United's battling youngsters saw their unbeaten start to the campaign cruelly taken away by a late goal against a stronger and more physical Leicester team at Worksop on Wednesday evening.

The winning goal - after a Jordan Eagers goal had brought United level - arrived just two minutes from the final whistle and left United still looking for a first win in the Pontin's League Cup, despite remaining unbeaten and top of the Eastern Section.

In a much-changed team, United named a young side, the eldest being 21-year-old Ross, whilst South Korean goalkeeper Ho Lee and French defender Chanot made their debuts at reserve level.

United made a positive start but were unable to trouble the Leicester goal. At the other end the powerful Sappleton fired wide and then had another effort parried away by Ho Lee.

The United goalkeeper was fortunate on 37 minutes when he saw Djeziri's shot strike a post and the rebound from Chambers strike his shoulder before being cleared.

The second half brought more goalmouth action. Ho Lee saved from Maybury, whilst Abdi was causing problems for the Leicester defence and had a penalty appeal turned down on 56 minutes.

Just two minutes later Leicester were ahead at the third time of asking. Ho Lee had saved and another effort was kicked off the line before CHAMBERS forced the ball home at the back post.

It was the signal for United to hit back but goalkeeper Pentney denied Ashmore and Abdi before the equaliser arrived on 70 minutes. Walker's ball down the right channel was flicked inside by Abdi and after adjusting his stride, EAGERS slotted home.

In an open end to the game both sides had chances to win it, Abdi and Ross ballooned over before Leicester snatched the late winner. Djeziri's ball into the box was deflected just enough by McKAY to beat Ho Lee and there was little time to stage a fight back.

Coach Scott Sellars comments: "I'm delighted and disappointed. Delighted because it was a good performance, everyone contributed, but disappointed with the goals we conceded and the end result."

Blades: Ho Lee, Walker, Lowton, Ross, Chanot, Ashmore, Eagers, Kerry, Naughton (Tahar 84), Donnelly, Abdi (Boden 79).
Unused: Furniss, Reid, Wedgbury.

Leicester: Pentney, Maybury, Rowe-Turner, Ferreira (Beswick 79), Kenton, Garner, Chambers, McKay, Sappleton (Cox 65), Djeziri, Hayes (Howard 79).
Unused: Cobb.