Sheffield United’s Sharp and Berge strike late to end Wrexham’s Cup dream

Sheffield United scored two dramatic injury-time goals to end Wrexham’s fairytale run in this season’s FA Cup and set up a fifth-round meeting with Tottenham, leaving the non-league side crestfallen and wondering what might have been on a dramatic night at Bramall Lane.

Having converted a glut of pressure into the opening goal when Anel Ahmedhodzic fired home shortly after half-time, the Blades looked well-placed to book their place in the next round. But the drama was just beginning – and after Wrexham striker Paul Mullin brought the score level from the penalty spot, he then missed a second spot-kick seven minutes later which would have put Phil Parkinson’s side in front.

And just as the tie looked to be heading to extra time, Billy Sharp put the hosts ahead for the second time before Sander Berge scored a third in injury time. It was a harsh scoreline for Wrexham, who more than played their part in a thrilling tie, but arguably the right outcome.

Phil Parkinson opted to make seven changes from the side who came so close to knocking the Blades out at the Racecourse Ground. He did, however, retain the 5-3-2 formation which has served his side so well in league and cup this season and it served as a solid foundation to frustrate their Championship opponents in the early exchanges here.

The hosts controlled the majority of possession and enjoyed the more threatening moments in attack but in truth, there was little in the way of a clear-cut opportunity for Sheffield United inside the opening half-hour. They were certainly outplaying Wrexham, but the visitors were well-drilled, organised and impressive whenever called upon to work defensively.

However, Heckingbottom’s mood should have been lifted as half-time approached. Wrexham’s first corner led to the biggest chance of the game at the other end, when Andy Cannon’s pass back to Jacob Mendy fell short, and Iliman Ndiaye prodded the ball away from Mendy’s path. James McAtee supported Ndiaye and as the two broke free, McAtee should have squared to Ndiaye to put the ball in an empty net.

Instead, the Manchester City loanee opted to bend the ball around Rob Lainton, but he shot narrowly wide, much to the delight of the 4,000-plus travelling support from North Wales. However, Lainton was soon called into action again to prevent United from taking the lead.

First, he denied Anel Ahmedhodzic from close range before saving a shot from the United captain, Billy Sharp. The pressure had felt almost relentless on occasions and Paul Mullin had cut a disconsolate figure as the lone Wrexham player up front whenever United attacked but in truth, he and his teammates had done their job in terms of keeping their opponents scoreless in a one-sided first half.

Wrexham began the second half on the front foot but just as it seemed as though they were on top, they were finally undone. It was smart play from Chris Basham which kept the ball alive around the Wrexham box, before Ahmedhodzic and Ben Osborn combined to send the former through on goal. This time, a home player made no mistake as his shot was far too powerful for Lainton.

It then could, and perhaps should, have been 2-0 four minutes later. Sander Berge’s superb ball cut through the Wrexham defence to free McAtee and this time, he did square the ball for a teammate. Sharp, however, couldn’t convert, drawing a smart save from Lainton. The pressure was once again intensifying on Wrexham but as the game hit the hour mark, they responded in dramatic fashion.

Mullin worked his way goalside of Ahmedhodzic and the Bosnian had no choice but to bring Mullin down. Leigh Doughty pointed to the spot, though the replays suggested the initial contact from Ahmedhodzic was outside the box. Wrexham didn’t care though, and nor did Mullin – who struck an unstoppable penalty past Adam Davies to level the scores and send the travelling support into delirium. The dream was suddenly alive once again.

Then, as the game entered the final quarter, Mullin was brought down again in the box, this time by Osborn. However, the Wrexham striker was denied from the spot courtesy of a wonderful save from Davies – and how costly that would prove to be. Just as injury time appeared inevitable, Sharp slotted home from close range before Berge finally broke Wrexham’s spirit once and for all after being freed by McAtee.

Guardian