It was a fairly straight forward victory for Sheffield United, who had beaten Bristol Rovers and Port Vale (both 2-1) in dramatic fashion after falling a goal behind. But in this third cup-tie against League Two opposition there was to be no ‘squeaky bum time’ as a terrific display was enough to railroad there opposition at the Kassem Stadium and see former Blades player (now Oxford boss) Chris Wilder out of the competition after they themselves had overcome basement tier opponents Barnet and Accrington to come this far.
United had beaten Oxford in the previous year’s glorious competition by the same score-line at Bramall Lane. They had to make an early change, as early as the 11th minute when full-back Matt Hill was left in a heap after he got tangled in a cross between Clarke and Wright – Marcus Williams became his replacement. Both physios had been in attendance and the game was stopped briefly for a couple of minutes whilst they attended to his injuries and he was thankfully able to walk off down the tunnel unaided.
This was the 27th meeting between the two clubs and the home side had started the match off with frenzy fashion, Clarke the U’s keeper rushed off his line to clear from a Jamie Murphy cross. Midway through the half a surging run from Murphy was brought to an end when he was brought down on the edge of the penalty area. From the resulting free-kick, defender Tony McMahon drove his kick past Clarke who was motionless in the Oxford goal.
Higginbotham was at the heart of the defence, and he stopped a run on the wing from Richards which resulted in him receiving treatment. At the break it was reported in the media that Hill had left to go to hospital with a suspected broken jaw.
On 61st minute Doyle was booked after a challenge with Leven in the middle and five minutes later, Rigg was replaced by O’Brien for the U’s. Moments later United finally scored a second, Kitson firing from close range when Flynn’s free-kick was swooped in and Blackman’s knock-on was prodded home from close-range by the marksman.
Despite having to claw back two goals the hosts were not giving up without a fight, both Rigg and Craddock came close without cigar.
Murphy, who was having an excellent game was replaced by veteran Richard Cresswell, but this was after Nick Blackman had extended United’s lead to three with a fine effort in the 87th minute.