Federico Macheda strengthened his case to earn a Watford contract after the former Manchester United youngster scored again as the Hornets' Under-23 side drew 2-2 with Sheffield United at Vicarage Road.

Twice Harry Kewell's side led, first through a smart finish from the Italian on the half-hour mark, and again when Michael Folivi blasted them ahead from 25 yards.

But the Blades had brought a strong line-up to Hertfordshire, incuding a number of first-team players, and bounced back on both occasions, levelling through Jordan Hallam and then Callum Semple.

The result gives the young Hornets their first point in three games in the Professional Development League.

The first period had proved a bitty affair before Macheda struck his second goal in two games with the first real opportunity of the game, gleefully receiving a flick-on from Ola Adeyemo before racing clear of the defence and lifting the ball past an onrushing George Long.

It could easily have been two only five minutes later from the same source, as Macheda, most famed for a goal which helped Manchester United to the league title some seven years ago, forced Long into a smart save.

Those two opportunities wrapped up the action before the break - which told its own story - but shortly after the sides returned, Watford's lead was extinguished. 

Former Oxford captain Jake Wright headed a cross back towards the far post where it was met by Hallam, who had no problem tapping home from close range.

The Hornets went back on the pursuit of an advantage but became increasingly frustrated with the Blades' ability to shut them out - and it may have been the reason, 14 minutes after the leveller, Folivi decided to take aim from 25 yards.

Whatever the motive, the shot from last year's Under-18s top scorer was superbly struck and left Long with no chance.

Having finally found another breakthrough, the Blades again would not lie down and six minutes later they scores were again equal.

Semple was handed the simple task of firing home after Watford defender David Sesay had nodded on a free-kick from the visitors, to deny Kewell's side all three points.