Over 16,000 fans turned up at the Huanglong Stadium on Monday to watch Hao Haidong and Sheffield United beat Zhejiang Lvcheng 3-0. But a tougher test for the Blades lies around the corner with Liaoning up in the Dongbei region on 22 July.

Zhejiang, formerly coached by ex-Chinese national team boss Bobby Houghton, fielded a team of reserves to kick off Sheffield United's China tour in Hangzhou. And Hao Haidong made his long-awaited debut for United's first team since signing for a pound earlier this year.

The veteran striker came closest to scoring five minutes into the second half when his shot from a right-wing cross went wide. He was substituted in the 62nd minute, with Sheffield already 2-0 up against the China League outfit.

"I would give myself 7.5 points out of ten for my performance tonight," said Hao after the game. "This is football. When you move into a new environment you have to adapt.

"Sheffield United is clearly very different from Bayi and Dalian (Hao's former clubs) and I've only been with them for a month. Smooth cooperation is very difficult and you need to understand the differences between Chinese and English football.

"I feel in good physical shape after this game and I'm very satisfied."

The Blades' next match of their Chinese tour is now against Liaoning FC after the Xi'an Anxinyuan friendly was cancelled. The match will take place at the Wulihe Stadium in Shenyang - where China historically clinched qualification to the 2002 World Cup - on Friday.

There are smiles on the faces of Liaoning fans at the moment, with famous comedy actor Zhao Benshan promising new sponsors and improved financial conditions for the players since being appointed to the club's board last month. And the Sheffield friendly will surely do the China Super League side the world of good on a global scale.

Liaoning are certainly taking the game seriously. Executive board director Zhang Shuguang told reporters that he has already asked local rivals Dalian Shide and western China side Sichuan Guancheng if they will loan Li Ming, Li Yao, Yan Song, Zhang Yaokun and Wang Peng.

Zhang also wants Shenyang Ginde to lend him promising young forward Chen Tao for the game, but has yet to receive a reply from Liaoning's other local rivals in China's Dongbei region.

In the meantime, Zhao Benshan has invited his film star and singer friends to perform before the game and during the half-time break.

Sheffield United's final match before returning home is against China League side Hunan Xiangjun in Changsha on Sunday.

(Sinosoc.com July 21, 2005)