Movement up the League One table may only be in small steps, but  Alan Knill believes Scunthorpe United are making giant leaps towards becoming the sort of team he is keen to assemble at Glanford Park.

For the second successive Saturday the Iron had to settle for a point having been in front and down to 10 men.

But like in their clash against Colchester United seven days previously, for long spells against Sheffield United, the hosts were much the better side.

"I'm saying exactly the same as I was last week because of the circumstances," Knill said during his post-match conference.

"I thought we were excellent first half - considering the opposition. They (Sheffield United) are a really good side, really strong and powerful, but I didn't think we gave them a kick.

"Everything we asked the players to do, we got, especially in the first half.

"We worked on the formation for two days and everything went really well. We just didn't expect to be down to 10 men again.

"The first half was probably as good a first-half performance I've been in charge of here.

"I was delighted with the players and their attitude and the crowd can see what we are trying to do too.

"First half they (the crowd) were excellent, every time we passed it and moved they clapped, which is what we want. We're here to entertain.

"I think we're getting better. I've added what I believe is quality and if we keep playing like that, as we are, we'll be okay."

Chris Dagnall's stunning solo strike in stoppage time at the end of the first half put the Iron ahead – after Andy Barcham had been sent off in the 26th minute for a challenge on Blades midfielder Michael Doyle.

During the second half the visitors improved as an attacking force and were deserving of the point they salvaged courtesy of Ched Evans' overhead kick.

Scunthorpe though could be pleased with their efforts against a side relegated alongside them from the Championship, especially given the Blades went top of League One as a result of their point at Glanford Park.

As well as performances, Knill also believes he is 'slowly' being able to stamp his mark on the Iron squad.

Six of the United starting line-up against the Blades were signings made by the former Bury boss, including debutants Shane Duffy and Sam Johnstone.

"I think we're getting there," he continued.

"We've brought four in and then the loan players and they're all of a type I really like.

"I wanted some young athletes to complement what we already had in and I think you can tell from the performances we're getting better.

"What we're trying to preach week in, week out is happening on the pitch on a Saturday.

"While players continue to do that and continue to learn and most importantly, continue to be brave and have the ball, there'll be no complaints from me, irrelevant of the score."