Sheffield United reach FA Cup semis

SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND - MARCH 09: John Brayford of Sheffield United celebrates scoring their second goal during the FA Cup Quarter-Final match at Bramall Lane on March 9, 2014 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by Tony Marshall/Getty Images)

SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND - MARCH 09: John Brayford of Sheffield United celebrates scoring their second goal during the FA Cup Quarter-Final match at Bramall Lane on March 9, 2014 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by Tony Marshall/Getty Images)

Published Mar 9, 2014

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Third-tier Sheffield United continued their remarkable journey in the FA Cup by upsetting second-division Charlton Athletic 2-0 on Sunday 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.

Having previously accounted for 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 draw for the semi-finals and will learn the identity of their last-four opponents later on Sunday.

Sunderland visit Hull City later, before Manchester City bid to avenge their shock 1-0 defeat in last season's final when they welcome second-tier Wigan Athletic to the Etihad Stadium. – AFP

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