Sheffield United 1 Shrewsbury Town 0

Mightily frustrating and yet, at the same time, supremely encouraging.

Shrewsbury Town's return to the third tier of English football for the first time in almost a generation combined the harsh realities of life at a higher level with genuine optimism for the challenges which lie ahead.

Two trips to Yorkshire in the space of a week have brought home to Town that even a momentary lapse in concentration will be punished following their one rung climb up the Football League ladder.

See more pictures from the game here

But while last week's Capital One Cup setback at Leeds was followed by another defeat at Sheffield United, Graham Turner's re-modelled side have already proven they are more than capable of holding their own in more illustrious company.

On the balance of play, possession and goal-scoring opportunities, Town could count themselves unfortunate not to leave Bramall Lane with at least a share of the spoils.

Even United boss Danny Wilson was moved to declare the new boys had done "brilliantly" during spells of an opening day clash that last season's play-off finalists were relieved to see the end of.

And, while Turner will be desperate for his side not to gain a reputation for being showered in more plaudits than points, there was plenty to hearten him and an estimated travelling support of 1,500 as they turn their attentions towards extending their magical 32-game unbeaten home run at the Greenhous Meadow against Preston tomorrow night.

Despite the hammer blow of conceding a fourth minute goal to former loanee David McAllister, Town regained their composure to produce a hugely accomplished display and in spells – most notably at the end of the first half – out-played the promotion favourites on their own patch.

Town will rue their opening day luck. Terry Gornell saw an effort ruled out for a marginal offside as he slotted home a rebound when Luke Summerfield's 25-yard effort was parried away by Blades goalkeeper Mark Howard.

And had a cross-cum-shot from Paul Parry been a yard the other way it would either have drifted into the net or presented Mark Wright with a straight forward tap-in rather than strike the post and rebound to safety.

Howard's gloves were warmed with several other long-range efforts, while he was also alert to beat away a late Parry drive and relieved to see a sprawling Marvin Morgan fire wide with a first half chance from Wright's corner. Darren Jones also went close to an equaliser when he saw a header drop past the post.

But, if Turner was frustrated by his side's inability to turn their encouraging build-up into a first competitive goal of the campaign, he would also have been agitated by the moment which condemned his side to defeat.

McAllister's timing to meet an in-swinging cross from Marcus Williams and his cool volley into the top corner were impressive traits of a player who Shrewsbury were keen to bring back to the Meadow after an eye-catching loan stint last term.

But the move stemmed from a left-wing throw from which Shrewsbury failed to take their positions quickly enough, allowing the Blades to capatilise.

From that moment on, Shrewsbury improved defensively with debutant Darren Jones particularly impressive in helping limit the hosts – a few scrambles apart – to just one more clear cut opportunity, Chris Weale saving well from Tony McMahon as the game became stretched late on.

Ultimately, however, Town's huge effort went unrewarded and they will now be hoping to cash in on a home double header against Preston and Tranmere to fire up this much-anticipated campaign.

But if a trip to the pre-season title favourites represents the most demanding challenge of the season – on this evidence at least – more profitable days lies ahead.

James Garrison