A CONTROVERSIAL website launched in France allows schoolkids to pay someone older and cleverer to do their homework for them.

For a couple of Euros, for example, little Jean-Claude can get someone to write his essay while he puts on a beret and pops out to buy a baguette and a clove of garlic (one thing I refuse to do as a writer is stereotype).

It prompted several high-ranking French officials, all wearing glasses and cardigans – that's not important, just an observation – to conduct several TV interviews the other day denouncing this horrific practice.

They're right, of course, it is terrible, though I can't help but wish that website had been around when I was sitting my GCSE in maths.

But it got me thinking. What a shame a similar scam doesn't exist in football.

Luton Town, for example, could go on the web and hire Ronaldo and Rooney for the night. That'd soon sort those fears of relegation to the Conference.

Last night, such was the overwhelming, predetermined sense that Sheffield United would cruise to victory, one might've thought that Pool would require similar measures themselves to get a result.

But it turned out not to be the case. In fact, cheered on by terrific travelling support (the tenner-a-ticket scheme going down well), the Seasiders produced a performance so fine they ended up leaving Bramall Lane disappointed not to have taken all three points.

A share of the spoils was all the more impressive given the list of absentees.

David Vaughan, out with a groin problem, was joined on the sidelines by a vomiting Brett Ormerod (apologies if you're eating your tea).

An under-the-weather Ormerod had been sent to his room on arrival at a Sheffield hotel at 11am yesterday with orders to sleep. He did, but woke up feeling a whole lot worse.

Then Roy O'Donovan, in for Vaughan, was forced to pull out after going down with excruciating stomach pains 15 minutes prior to the start.

As he departed for hospital with suspected appendicitis, the management were forced into yet another reshuffle.

All of this was quite a blow, because Tony Parkes and Steve Thompson had been desperate to stick with the 11 which took maximum points off Norwich on Saturday.

Instead they were forced to hand a debut to on-loan Blackburn striker Nick Blackman and give Graeme Owens a rare start in what could be his last game for the club – his loan spell from Middlesbrough is due to end today, though he could be retained for a further month.

The newcomers, young, raw and fearless – perhaps ideal for a daunting trip to high-flying United – did well, particularly Blackman.

It wasn't just his goal, which flew in off the bar, but his all round performance. He didn't waste a pass, laying it off intelligently and looking every inch a player. For a 19-year-old it was a hell of a display.

Brett will no doubt have shaken off his illness by Saturday, but will he get back in for the Barnsley game? Probably not. It's funny how fortunes can swing so rapidly.

Blackman played a huge role in the Seasiders earning a point – and what an important point it proved to be.

With results elsewherefar from perfect, it was important to add another to the tally and keep the bottom three more than a win away.

The game itself was a strange affair. First half was all right, with a couple of goals thrown in – just enough to keep your interest. After the break it was an absolute belter of a contest.

All the while there was excitement off the pitch too, with various floodlights switching themselves off without any warning. Fortunately there were always enough on at any one time to ensure it was bright enough for play to continue. Both managers were given the chance to call it off but said play on.

Tony Parkes is probably happier about that decision than his opposite number.

His team recovered from the blow of losing an early goal and a horrible one for Danny Coid.

In attempting to clear Dave Cotterill's inswinging left-wing corner, the defender only succeeded in glancing the ball into his own net. So good in the last few games, this was not to be Coid's night.

Shaken and stirred, Pool endured a nervy few minutes before regaining their composure and getting a foothold in the game.

DJ Campbell sent a shot whizzing past Paddy Kenny's post before Blackman struck five minutes before the interval.

Campbell started the move with a lovely piece of skill before Gary Taylor-Fletcher ran into the area. He was tackled but Blackman pounced on the loose ball and struck a right-footed effort which took a slight deflection before thudding in off the underside of the bar.

Four minutes after the restart Pool completed their revival.

Blades captain Chris Morgan made a complete hash of clearing Keith Southern's throughball and a grateful and persistent Campbell pounced to score his first goal from open play since January 17 and the home game with Birmingham.

After striking the woodwork against Norwich and generally looking back to his old self, it was a goal which had been coming.

Danny Webber hit the post within 60 seconds of Pool taking the lead and Morgan, not having a good night, volleyed wide from a corner with the goal at his mercy.

But the visitors had the better chance to score the next goal, Campbell racing clear in the 66th minute but failing to convert his one-on-one chance, denied by Kenny's legs. 3-1 to Pool then and the points may have been safe.

Alas six minutes later United were back on terms.

Coid had his second moment to forget, mishitting a backpass and allowing Craig Beattie to scamper clear on goal. Beattie collapsed to the ground while rounding Paul Rachubka and won a penalty.

Rachubka later told me he never touched the striker. What's certain is that, after the ref had decided it was a foul, Pool's number one was fortunate to avoid picking up his second red card of 2009, cautioned instead.

There wasnothing Rachubka could about the penalty, Cotterill sending him the wrong way.

Chances galore after that, Blades substitute Jamie Ward having at least five potshots at goal while the hugely impressive Charlie Adam almost snapped Kenny's hand with a thumping free-kick and then went close to setting up a stoppage time winner for Taylor-Fletcher.

Pool were more than happy with a point though, highlighted by the late introductions of Claus Jorgensen and Joe Martin, brought on to shore things up defensively.

A good night's work and a bonus point ahead of an arguably more important trip to another venue close to these parts at the weekend.