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Nick Blackman's late equaliser at the Ricoh Arena rescued a point for expected League One promotion challengers Sheffield United.

Rivals Coventry looked set for their first win since relegation on 62 minutes when summer signing Stephen Elliott fired home a left-foot shot.

But Blackman levelled six minutes from time when he found the bottom corner from Shaun Miller's cross.

That left Andy Thorn's men having to settle for a second straight 1-1 draw.

The Blades enjoyed the better territory in the first half but failed to turn it into clear-cut chances, a goalline clearance from former Sheffield Wednesday defender Richard Wood keeping the sides on level terms.

United were made to pay after the interval when Coventry, who have seen nine players go and as many arrive following relegation from the Championship, got into their rhythm.

The Sky Blues, without hamstring victim John Fleck, appeared to have taken the lead on the hour mark.

French recruit Kevin Malaga headed down a corner, the ball bobbling perilously close to the line before visiting goalkeeper Mark Howard grabbed it.

They only had to wait two minutes to forge ahead when a long ball from keeper Joe Murphy was flicked on for Elliott to fire home, but the visitors kept plugging away before Blackman earned a point.

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Sheffield United manager Danny Wilson told ����ý Radio Sheffield:

"To come to Coventry, to play like we did and not come away with three points is a little bit disappointing.

"It's the result that's disappointing as the performance was brilliant.

"We want to start the season well and get better as we go along.

"You've certainly seen an improvement from last weekend [in the 1-0 win against Shrewsbury]."

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