Sheffield United edge past Reading to secure quarter final place

Sheffield United secured their place in the last eight of the FA Cup with a 2-1 win against Reading after extra time.

Billy Sharp came off the bench to score the winner from Luke Freeman’s cross to send the Blades into tonight’s draw.

Fellow striker David McGoldrick had given Chris Wilder’s side an early lead after just 90 seconds but the Royals responded through a George Puscas penalty on the stroke of half time.

Wilder made five changes for the trip to Berkshire, John Lundstram, Luke Freeman, McGoldrick, Lys Mousset and Ben Osborn all coming into the side, while Reading were unchanged from their 2-0 win against Barnsley.

Yakou Meite forced the visitors’ goalkeeper Dean Henderson into a smart save, with Reading limiting the chances for the away side following the early goal.

Both sides pressed for a winner in the second half, with very few chances but Reading nearly snatched a goal on the break with Henderson again busy punching a John Swift cross out of danger from the onrushing Meite.

Andy Rinomhota came close to finding a goal for Reading, finding his way into the box, before hitting a left-footed strike just wide of the post.

Henderson was busy once more as the Royals looked for a goal back, with Masika showing a burst of pace, finding McCleary, who picked out Pelé, whose low drive forced Henderson into another save.

Reading gave it their all, but it proved not to be enough as Wilder’s team progressed through in a tight tie.

Team Lineups

Reading XI-  Rafael, Yiadom, Morrison (c), Miazga, Obita, Rinomhota (Baldock 106), Swift, Ejaria (Pelé 98), Olise (Masika 98), Méïté (McCleary 106), Pușcaș.

Sheffield United XI- Henderson, Baldock, O’Connell, Egan (c), Basham, Osborn, Lundstram, Freeman (Retsos 106), Berge (Robinson 99), McGoldrick (Sharp 79), Mousset (McBurnie 61).