Kevin Blackwell saw his Sheffield United side rescue a point against Coventry

Billy Sharp rescued a point for Sheffield United - even though they were down to 10 men following Sun Jihai’s dismissal.

Coventry were left to rue Elliott Ward’s missed penalty, while the score was 1-0, in the 47th minute.

United had started badly. James Beattie made a much heralded return to the Blades’ starting line-up but found the rest of Kevin Blackwell’s side unaccountably missing.

United were so slow out of the blocks that Blackwell had three substitutes warming up as early as the 17th minute.

Paddy Kenny had already needed to make four saves to keep his team in the game.

Adventurous Coventry, playing with three strikers, deserved their lead.

Aron Gunnarsson’s long throw found Jay Tabb free, beyond the far post, to drive home in the 30th minute.

And, just after the break, substitute Michael Mifsud was wrestled down by Jihai. But Ward drove the penalty well wide.

United were soon reduced to 10 men when Jihai was sent off for a wild challenge on Mifsud in the 51st minute.

The Chinese defender could face an extended ban after having to be persuaded to leave the field by a member of United’s staff.

But United were level five minutes later through Sharp’s shot on the turn from David Cotterill’s cross.