United’s reserves drew 1-1 at Bournemouth this afternoon in a game that was notable mainly for Lee Steele’s return to action. Jefferson Louis put United ahead after quarter of an hour, but James Stokoe equalised for the Cherries fifteen minutes later.

In addition to Steele playing the first 45 minutes, Jamie Brooks again played for the full 90, as did Paul McCarthy. Manny Omoyinmi was also on the pitch for the first 70 minutes, although both Chris Hackett and Dave Waterman were rested in case one of them has to play at Rochdale on Saturday in place of Scott McNiven.

United had the better of the play and were denied by two excellent saves from Bournemouth ‘keeper Gareth Stewart in the last five minutes. As well as the senior professionals such as those mentioned and Dave Oldfield the side comprised many youngsters, and so this has to be considered a decent result.