United played host to Wrexham at Creighton on Friday afternoon and it was a close fought affair with clear-cut chances at a premium.
The young Blues started the game well and Cowburn created the first opening of the day when he pulled wide to make space. His cross found Papa but the keeper was well placed to deal with the shot.
Wrexham responded with a decent attack of their own with plenty of red shirts inside the penalty area. A drop of the shoulder brought a drilled shot from the edge of the box but Ward got down quickly to gather it in.
Cowburn found another gap on 7 minutes and a flighted crossfield pass was controlled well as he cushioned it on his instep. A great delivery followed but a touch from a defender prevented Papa from doing any damage.
Keeper Riegan Ward pulled off a fantastic full length save when a thunderbolt headed for the top corner in what was an all-action start to the game, but the wind picked up and the blustery conditions made it difficult for both sides to play their game.
Things tightened up considerably, and the watching fans had to wait until the 72nd minute before another chance was created. That was a fierce hit from the visitors which Ward once again had to stretch to parry.
That sparked United into action and a McCarron shot was deflected over following some determined work from Lloyd as the clock ticked down.
And the hosts almost nicked it in time added on when Kerr and Soper worked a one-two on the edge of the box. Soper suddenly had space but the keeper spread himself to make a vital save with his legs.
United - Ward, Kelly, Brockbank (Soper 46), Taylor, Hutchinson, Watson, Cowburn (Kerr 81), Olsen, Papa (Lloyd 46), Dixon (Miller 46), McCarron. Subs - Ashton.
Booked - McCarron (89)
