SHEFFIELD United manager Neil Warnock tipped Weymouth for Conference South success after seeing his side come from behind to win a thriller at the Wessex Stadium last night.

Two goals in three minutes just before the break gave the Terras a 2-1 advantage at half- time, but the full-strength Blades hit back with some clinical finishing in the second period.

Warnock saw his former charge Lee Phillips turn in a man-of-the-match performance and net a second half equaliser in his 200th appearance, and he was full of praise for the player he once tipped for the big time.

He said: "I've always thought Lee was a great player and could play higher. One of my biggest disappointments was when he broke his leg, and he did it running to chase a ball that no-one else would have done.

"He's doing well now and I'm really pleased for him. He could still do a job in the football league.

"It was an excellent workout for us. They will not lose many games this season.

"I thought the pitch was superb, they've obviously put a lot of work in."

The goal glut began on 16 minutes when England under-21 international Phil Jagielka swung in a cross from the right wing which was fired back across goal by Jon Harley for Andy Gray to ram home.

But the hosts turned it around ahead of the interval thanks to a wonder strike from Shaun Wilkinson on 42 minutes.

The midfielder robbed former Chelsea defender Harley 25 yards out and made room for a blistering right foot shot that found the top right hand corner via the hand of Paddy Kenny.

On the half-time whistle, Steve Tully was felled by Leigh Bromby as he weaved his way along the byline. Chukki Eribenne placed a neat penalty low into the net to give Weymouth the lead.

The Yorkshiremen were back on terms early in the second period when Michael Tonge made a rare break from midfield to thread a pass through to Barry Hayles. With the Terras back line appealing for offside the former Fulham striker kept his head to round trialist keeper Carl Emberson and roll the ball into the empty goal.

Five minutes later the Blades were back in front with another calm finish from Hayles who capitalised on a wayward header from the otherwise excellent Nathan Bunce.

Both sides shook things up with several changes on the hour mark with the Terras reverting to a back three. Then they were forced into a further substitution when Eribenne was stretchered off with slight concussion to be replaced by Steve Claridge.

The player-boss made an immediate impact in the build-up to the equaliser. He combined with Martin Barlow to release Phillips who struck a sweet low drive across Kenny to make it 3-3.

Moments later new signing Alan Quinn restored United's advantage, cutting in from the right before placing the ball just inside the left hand post following a smart one-two with Jack Lester.

Phillips should have crowned his landmark game with his second goal on 76 minutes after getting the better of Bromby to race clear, but Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Kenny saved well with his legs.

Six minutes from time young substitute Jonathan Forte won a penalty for the Blades, given by referee Ian Williamson after consultation with his linesman. Ashley Ward tucked away the spot kick to ensure victory for the visitors.