Sheffield United deny Folan's Hull FA Cup win

Sheffield United 1 Hull 1

Under-pressure Kevin Blackwell gained some relief as his Sheffield United side held Hull to claim a place in the FA Cup quarter-final draw.

Greg Halford put the Coca-Cola Championship side ahead with an early header in the fifth-round tie at Bramall Lane but Barclays Premier League team Hull responded to force a replay.

Kamil Zayatte, pushed into midfield from defence, claimed the equaliser with a strong header before the interval.

Hull could probably do without the replay as they look to secure their status in the top flight but they should still be favourites to reach the last eight for the first time since 1971.

United’s performance was just what they needed after stuttering in their promotion push over the past month.

The game marked the first anniversary of Blackwell’s appointment as Blades boss but, perhaps feeling the pressure, he seemed in little mood for celebration.

Blackwell claimed in his programme notes that the past week, since his side were booed off after losing to rivals Sheffield Wednesday, had been his worst in the job.

He had further problems with strikers Darius Henderson and Arturo Lupoli suspended and cup-tied respectively and injuries limiting him to just five substitutes.

He was at least boosted by the return from a hamstring injury of captain Chris Morgan but the defender did not last the first half.

Yet the Blades were clearly relishing the tie and were soon on to the attack with Halford firing a cross into the box which evaded everyone.

Hull, having decided not to risk knee injury victim Jimmy Bullard, had their first opportunity when Dean Marney, captain in the absence of injured Ian Ashbee, fired over.

Paddy Kenny took the resulting goalkick short and was then quickly closed down by winger Bernard Mendy as he received the ball back.

The pair collided and Mendy was booked after unsighted referee Andre Marriner acted on an assistant’s flag.

The Blades grabbed the lead in the seventh minute after Hull left-back Andy Dawson slipped and allowed the dangerous David Cotterill to cross.

Halford outjumped Sam Ricketts at the far post to plant a firm header past the recalled Boaz Myhill.

Hull responded with Richard Garcia heading over from a Dawson corner.

Geovanni beat several tackles as he attempted to pull Hull back into contention with a strong run but was finally halted on the edge of the area.

At the other end Halford could have had a second after breaking clear of a Hull defence which included Anthony Gardner for the first time in five months but shot straight at Myhill.

Hull had a second player booked after Michael Turner was penalised for leading with the arm in a challenge on Morgan.

It proved Morgan’s last meaningful involvement as he left the field shortly after for treatment on what looked like a knee injury.

After a short period playing with 10 men it became apparent he was unable to return and Danny Webber was sent on as Morgan was wheeled away on a stretcher.

Hull took advantage and levelled in the 34th minute when Dawson delivered a curling free-kick from the right and Zayatte got forward to glance a header past Kenny.

United went close to regaining the lead in first-half stoppage time when Billy Sharp headed wide from another Cotterill cross.

Hull appealed for a penalty early in the second half after Caleb Folan was released by a brilliant back-heel from Geovanni and went down as Halford challenged.

Marriner was not interested but Hull had another good opportunity moments later as Ricketts crossed but Kenny parried Garcia’s header.

The Blades counter-attacked swiftly with Cotterill again finding space on the right but his cross was put behind for a corner. Myhill was also required to save bravely at the feet of Halford.

Garcia then claimed to be tripped by Sun Jihai as the game opened up but again Marriner played on.

Mendy got in a shot but Kenny turned the ball away for a corner.

United were forced to play with 10 again for a second time when Halford needed a facial wound bandaged up.

Mendy attempted to unpick the Blades defence but substitute Manucho was unable to make the most of an opportunity in the area.

The game began to peter out with neither side able to find a way through in the final 10 minutes.

The sides will now meet again for a place in the last eight a week on Thursday.