Senior professional development coach Neil Redfearn praised his young team after Monday’s 2-2 draw at Crewe.

Goals from Zac Thompson and Chris Dawson proved enough to secure United a draw at Gresty Road, extending a run that has seen just one league defeat since September.

The hosts took the lead twice in the game, the first coming from the penalty spot, following a Richard Bryan foul, but Thompson levelled matters when he sent a shot thundering in off the underside of the bar.

The home side again restored their advantage with an angled shot, but Dawson equalled things up again before half-time with a well worked goal.

United dominated possession in the second period, but despite creating chances, were unable to find a winner. Luke Parkin hit a post, Lewis Walters was denied by a good save, and both Simon Lenighan and Lewis Cook went close.

Eric Grimes also made a great save late on to ensure it wasn’t Crewe who snatched a late winner.

“It was a good performance,” said Redfearn. “We played at a high tempo, we passed it out from the back, and we created chances.

“Zac Thompson dictated from midfield and Chris Dawson was outstanding, but it was generally a good overall team performance.”