Zimpapers Logo

Nigel Clough

LONDON. — Third-tier Sheffield United continued their remarkable journey in the FA Cup soccer by upsetting second-division Charlton Athletic 2-0 yesterday to reach the semi-finals. Managed by Nigel Clough, son of legendary former Nottingham Forest manager Brian, United became the first team from the third tier to reach the last four since Wycombe Wanderers in 2001.

“I’m just delighted for everybody that we’re going to Wembley, especially the players,” Clough, whose late father never won the tournament, told BT Sport. “To win nine games on the spin, they deserve an immense amount of credit. At some clubs they have an element of mediocrity off the pitch, but we try not to have that here. We hope to play a lot more big games like this in the future.”

Having previously accounted for English Premier League sides Fulham and Aston Villa, as well as second-tier Forest, the Blades prevailed thanks to quick-fire goals from Ryan Flynn and John Brayford mid-way through the second-half at Bramall Lane.

Charlton winger Callum Harriott had just poked the ball wide of an open goal from a Marcus Tudgay cross when Flynn put the hosts in front in the 65th minute. Former Everton trainee Jose Baxter swept an inviting cross into the penalty area from wide on the left and Flynn stole in at the back post to prod the ball home with the studs of his right boot. Brayford’s deflected shot made it 2-0 to the League One club just two minutes later, leaving United’s fans to savour the prospect of a semi-final date at Wembley Stadium.

Clough’s side join Arsenal, 4-1 victors over Everton on Saturday, in the semi-finals. In the other FA Cup quarter-final ties yesterday, Sheffield United  beat Charlton Athletic 2-0 while Hull City hammered Sunderland 3-0. — AFP.

English FA Cup semi-final draw (ties to be played at Wembley on April 12-13)
Hull City v Sheffield United
Manchester City or Wigan Athletic v Arsenal