Goals from Dan Hopper and Hayden Atkinson saw United's under-19s draw 2-2 away at Rotherham on Saturday in their opening fixture of the Youth Alliance League.
After three minutes played, United were in front. A cross from the left was flicked on by Louis Lambert into the path of Hopper, who shifted the ball onto his right foot and released a powerful effort that flew in off the crossbar.
Soon after the goal, Thomas Randall made a fine save from close range to deny the hosts from finding a quick equaliser.
Rotherham did find a way back into the game after 22 minutes, as an effort from the edge of the box found the top corner to level the score.
On 34 minutes, James Murray was played through by Jamie Hodgson, but he was unable to keep his effort under control as it went high and wide.
On the stroke of half-time, the Millers were awarded a penalty after Trent Chapman was adjudged to have fouled the Rotherham winger. Randall was sent the wrong way, and Rotherham took a 2-1 lead into the break.
HALF-TIME: Rotherham 2-1 United
Eight minutes after the restart, Hopper tried his luck from 25-yards out but his effort was comfortably held by the Rotherham 'keeper.
Bobby Skinner had an effort from the edge of the box which just missed the target.
On 61 minutes, United drew level. Murray's free-kick was not dealt with by the Rotherham defence and the ball deflected off Atkinson's head and into the back of the net.
United had a great chance to take the lead three minutes later after some smart play from Jonah Lowes saw him pick out Hodgson, but he was unable to keep his first-time volley under control and it sailed wide of the target.
The hosts had to play the final 20 minutes with 10 men, after the Rotherham right-back received his marching orders after striking Hodgson in the face following a foul from the Carlisle man.
United continued to apply pressure and created numerous chances, but were unable to find a winning goal and the game finished 2-2.
FULL-TIME: Rotherham 2-2 United
United: Randall, Chapman, Hodgson, Porter, Nicholson, Atkinson, Murray, Lowes, Lambert (90' Bell), Skinner (58' Rigby), Hopper
Unused subs: Silitoe, Smith, Hatton
United goals: (3' Hopper), (61' Atkinson)
