The Blades again came away from Wembley empty handed and their 1925 FA Cup win over Cardiff City still remains their only victory in the national stadium. But whilst supporters will no doubt be disappointed with a 5-3 defeat they could finally walk away from the famous arch proud of a Blades performance that finally saw a Blades goal on neutral ground after 21 years and 7 matches waiting and they all came like London buses.
United played well throughout and were rewarded with a opening goal when John Brayford's cross on 19 minutes was turned home from close range by Jose Baxter who wheeled away in celebration and the Liverpudlian, in honour of the 96 Reds fans who lost their lives 25 years previous kissed his black armband. Hull found themselves level three minutes before the break Jake Livermore's pass across the box was slide home by Yannick Sagbo but this was short-lived. Jamie Murphy went on a trademark run down the left flank before cutting back for fellow Scot Stefan Scougall to finish.
Steve Bruce and Hull made changes and it was newcomer Matty Fryatt who turned home a scrambled corner four minutes in, in what was a frantic first ten minutes which saw City take the lead for the first time in the match. Tom Huddlestone created a one-on-one opportunity against Mark Howard and it was the former Tottenham man who won the battle. Substitute Stephen Quinn (67 minutes) made it four with his stooping header.
With the clocking ticking down to the final whistle Murphy gave the 33,000 travelling Blades a brief lifeline, Maguire's header was half cleared by the City defence and the Winger's half volley made it 4-3. United, chasing for a leveller was caught on the break and the move was ended with David Mayler celebrating Hull's first victory in a semi-final in their 110 year history.
Blades boss Nigel Clough has no new injuries to be concerned about, though Belgian midfielder Florent Cuvelier (ligaments) is sidelined for the season. Youngsters Otis Khan and Connor Dimaio may be included in tonight's squad.
If Stevenage are to stave off relegation then they will need to win at Bramall Lane on Friday night in order to retain their League One status. They sit firmly at the bottom of the table and are four points behind 20th placed Nott's County at the time of writing. However due to our fixture kicking off at 7.45pm results earlier in the day may have gone against and sent them further in to the mire - leaving a positive result in S2 all the more vital.
The Boro haven't won a league encounter since 8 March when they recorded a 3-1 victory over Tranmere Rovers and since then, in the eight matches which followed have drawn four matches. They were defeated by three goals to two in their last outing at home to Colchester United last Saturday.
They are expected to travel without Dean Parrett (cruciate), Roarie Deacon (ankle) and second choice keeper Steven Arnold (knee) who are all sidelined through injury.Meanwhile striker Dani Lopez, who netted a hat-trick in last season’s 4-0 win over the Blades at Broadhall Way has returned from his loan-spell at Barnet scored 3 goals in 13 appearances for the Bees and will no doubt be looking for a start at Bramall Lane tonight.
They are likely to field former Sheffield United midfielder Sam Wedgbury amongst the substitutes. He was signed by Neil Warnock in 2006 from non-league Worcester City but failed to make any first team appearances - during which he spent time on loan at Mansfield Town and Hungarian outfit Ferencvaros before, in May 2010 he was allowed to leave the Lane and joined Macclesfield Town.
Blades-Mad Prediction: Sheffield United 2 Stevenage 0