Sheffield United entered the FA Cup at the first round; they overcame a lacklustre Oxford United (3-0) before sliding past Torquay United (3-2) in the second – both matches were played at Bramall Lane. They were handed a scare when the Gulls took a third minute lead through Rene Howe before United launched a second half turn-around.
Matt Lowton’s cross was turned into the net via a Mark Ellis (68) boot, and a minute later the score was reversed when Ched Evans danced through to notch his tenth goal of the season. On 78 minutes Evans added another when he was gifted with a chance on goal after keeper Robert Olenjik miss kicked and passed the ball to the Welsh man who from short distance beat the shot stopper. To add a tense finish Danny Stevens (90) fired home four minutes into stoppage time but the Blades hung on to book a place in the third round.
United come into this fixture on back of a 3-2 defeat at Carlisle United. Ched Evans netted twice (7 & 45) to cancel out a brace from Francois Zoko (2 & 15) and were denied opportunities when United hit the post thrice (twice from Evans and once from Stephen Quinn). In the second half former Blade Jon-Paul McGovern (71) netted the winner to end a run of eight games without defeat.
Defender Matthew Lowton (hamstring) is close to a return after the right full-back limped off in the Blades final game of 2011 which ended in a 3-1 victory over Hartlepool United, though he may not be risked for this cup tie. Marcus Williams completed his full transfer from Reading last Monday and he may make his second debut for the Blades against City this Saturday.
Blades boss Danny Wilson may decide to field fresh faces that otherwise wouldn’t usually be include in the starting line-up. Elian Parrino, Johannes Ertl, David McAllister, Erik Tonne and Chris Porter could all be drafted in to replace Matt Lowton, Neill Collins, Michael Doyle, Stephen Quinn and Ched Evans.
There may also be substitute places up for grabs for George Long, Seamus Conneely, Matt Harriott and Danny Philliskirk.
Blades Possible Line-Up (4-4-2):
Simonsen
Parrino Maguire Ertl Jean-Francois
Flynn Mongtomery (c) McAllister Tonne
Porter Cresswell
Conference South club Salisbury City came through into the Third round proper of the FA Cup after a rollercoaster ride against Grimsby Town in the last round. Following a 0-0 home draw the Whites were forced into a replay at Blundell Park.
The Whites had taken a 1-0 lead a minute after the break through Dan Flitchett (46) and that looked set to win the tie until two minutes into stoppage time when substitute Robert Duffy (90) turned home from a corner to force extra-time.
Grimsby Town then took the lead through Duffy (92) just minutes into the added thirty before defender Brian Dutton (100) levelled. Charlie I’Anson was dismissed for the Mariners when he gave away a penalty with Stuart Anderson (113) converting to win the epic cup tie.
Their journey to Bramall Lane started in the Fourth Qualifying Round at Bishop’s Stortford (2-1) before beating Arlesey Town (3-1) in the First Round proper. The victory at Blundell Park marked a historic win which saw them reach the Third Round for the first time in the club’s history.
The Whites lost their last game coming into this fixture; losing 1-0 at home to Dorcester Town having beaten the same opponents 3-0 away on Boxing Day - though it was suggested that many players may have had their eyes fixated on a visit to Bramall Lane.
They have no players cup tied comi9ng into this game but they are expected to be without former Bath City defender Luke Ruddick, who is a long term injury.
We’ve met before...
It is the first time that both United and City have met before in a competitive fixture, however it isn’t the first time that the Whites have stepped foot into the Steel City having lost 4-0 at Hillsborough in the FA Cup in November 2003 – Adam Proudlock netted a hat-trick for the Owls.
The last time that Sheffield United faced non-league opposition was during the 1999-00 campaign when they faced Rushden & Diamonds of the Conference in Round 3. During a naive approach to the game the Blades drew 1-1 at Bramall Lane despite taking the lead through Marcus Bent.
A replay at Nene Park was needed with the score again finishing 1-1 (Shaun Derry scoring) after extra-time with the S2 club coming on top in a penalty shoot-out. United were eliminated from the competition in the following round at Newcastle United (lost 1-4).
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venue |
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Bramall Lane |
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Raymond McEhill Stadium |
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Total |
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