Sheffield United looked set for victory to ease relegation worries after taking the lead with Stephen Quinn’s 22nd-minute free-kick.

After weathering an early Pompey storm at the start of the second period, United then allowed captain Gary O’Neil to score arguably the easiest goal of his career nine minutes from time.

The point was deserved by manager Harry Redknapp’s Champions League-chasers but it left opposite number Neil Warnock shaking his head in disgust and frustration.

Davis, United’s club-record signing, signalled to Gerrard to come and collect a through-ball into the penalty area from substitute Niko Kranjcar.

Gerrard dithered, Davis dallied, and with pressure from behind in the form of Benjani Mwaruwari, the ball eventually came off the goalkeeper for O’Neil to tap home from eight yards.

It took all the gloss off United’s efforts, in particular in the first half as Quinn might have scored the opener, but it was Jon Stead who stole the show with a vibrant debut display.

Goals have been hard to come by in Stead’s career – just seven in his prior 91 appearances for Blackburn, Sunderland and Derby – but he showed he is not lacking in confidence.

Warnock insisted on Thursday he had signed the 23-year-old for his energy, work-rate and drive, and Stead showed all three qualities in abundance.

Despite appearing similar in stature and physique to partner Rob Hulse, Stead is unafraid to work the channels, to track back, and to get stuck in where it hurts.

He could have marked his first United appearance with a goal after 32 seconds as he cleverly nipped in front of Sol Campbell to latch on to a left-wing cross from Derek Geary.

Quinn and Hulse had also combined in the move that culminated in a downward header from Stead that forced a reaction save on the line from David James, sporting yet another hairstyle.

Portsmouth’s response arrived soon after, with Kanu knocking down a long ball out of defence from Glen Johnson for Andy Cole to curl a 20-yard right-foot effort over the bar.

However, it was their only clear opportunity of the opening 45 minutes as the United defence returned to its resolute ways following the debacle against Swansea last week.

Warnock made eight changes to the team beaten by the Swans in the third round of the FA Cup, with the surprise inclusion that of transfer-listed centre-back Chris Lucketti for his Premiership debut.

With new centre-back Matthew Kilgallon watching from the sidelines following his move from Leeds on Tuesday, Lucketti could hardly be faulted.

A challenge on the defender from Linvoy Primus, who had only just been booked for a foul on Stead, resulted in United taking the lead in the 22nd minute.

From 22 yards, 20-year-old left-winger Quinn lifted his free-kick over the wall and into the top left corner beyond the pawing reach of James.

James had earlier denied Hulse from 16 yards after Stead had turned and held off Campbell to prove he is no lightweight.

However, James then had nothing to do for the opening 15 minutes of the second period, the start of which was delayed by more than 10 minutes as a fan was treated in The Kop before being carried away.

Portsmouth dominated as Campbell, Matthew Taylor and Kranjcar – a 54th-minute sub for Primus – all went close, while Gerrard made a stunning save to beat away Andy Cole’s rasping drive.

That was before Stead had a chance to seal it just after the hour following a pass down the right wing from Keith Gillespie.

From that position he had work to do, but he further underlined his strength by bullying his way past Pompey debutant Djimi Traore, a £1million signing from Charlton this week.

But after striding into the area, and despite Hulse available to his left, Stead went for glory, only to end his run with a weak sidefoot finish to give James a comfortable take.

When Stead was replaced 12 minutes from time by Christian Nade it was to a standing ovation, only for the cheers to turn to groans as Pompey were soon handed their equaliser on a plate.

Gerrard atoned for his part in the error by saving a snapshot from Cole, while Davis almost made amends, only for an injury-time header to hit the post.