Kevin Cooper scored an equaliser two minutes from time to hand Wimbledon a share of the points with shot-shy Sheffield United.

For half an hour during the second period, lowly United looked as though they would achieve the unexpected and grab a rare win on their travels, after netting their first goal in six away games through George Santos.

Last season, Wimbledon's promotion challenge was halted by their inability to win at Selhurst Park.

They have failed to shake off the hoodoo so far in this campaign, with Terry Burton's troops once again struggling at home.

The absence of club captain Kenny Cunningham and top scorer David Connolly - both on international duty with the Republic of Ireland - did not help.

They should have had the three points wrapped up after four minutes but stand-in striker David Neilsen and teenager Jodi McAnuff proved wasteful in front of goal.

With barely a minute gone Neilsen should have scored when played through by McAnuff - but the striker could only shoot straight at Blades keeper Simon Tracey.

And the striker fared no better 30 seconds later, shooting off target from 20 yards.

McAnuff was no better in front of goal, flashing wide of the target two minutes before the break.

Former West Brom midfielder Santos, who scored his first goal of the season from a Shane Nicholson free-kick 10 minutes after the interval, looked to have handed the visitors an undeserved victory.

Burton gambled in the second period, introducing long term injury victim Trond Andersen and reserve striker Patrick Agyemang.

And the move nearly paid immediate dividends.

After a Tracey mistake, Agyemang found himself with the goal at his mercy but could only fire high over the bar.

However, Agyemang repaid his manager's faith with the all-important cross on 88 minutes, allowing Wimbledon left-winger Cooper to slide in at the back post.

[ --- news.bbc.co.uk]