BRAMALL LANE, SHEFFIELD — Injury-time goals from Billy Sharp and Sander Berge gave Sheffield United a breathless 3-1 FA Cup fourth-round replay win over Wrexham, who came within a Paul Mullin penalty of an improbable upset at Bramall Lane.
After a goalless first half where Wrexham goalkeeper Rob Lainton excelled on his first appearance for 11 months, Championship high-fliers United hit the front when Anel Ahmedhodzic converted Ben Osborn’s pass.
If they thought that meant a routine passage to a fifth-round home tie with Tottenham, they had another thing coming.
National League side Wrexham, whose resurgence has been bankrolled by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, were moments away from a famous upset at the Racecourse Ground 10 days ago before John Egan’s stoppage-time goal snatched a 3-3 draw and they hit back memorably once more.
Ahmedhodzic grappled with Mullin and the striker tumbled inside the box to win a penalty. Facing a stand packed with travelling Wrexham supporters, Mullin thundered a strike down the middle of the goal for his 28th of the season, sparking bedlam.
Sheffield United vs. Wrexham final score
| 1H | 2h | Final | |
| SHEFF UTD | 0 | 3 | 3 |
| WREXHAM | 0 | 1 | 1 |
Goals:
SHEFF UTD — Anel Ahmedhodzic (Ben Osborn)— 50th minute.
WREXHAM — Paul Mullin (penalty) —58th minute.
SHEFF UTD — Billy Sharp— 90th minute+4.
SHEFF UTD — Sander Berge (James McAtee)— 90th minute+6.
MAKING NO MISTAKE 🚫@PMullin7 thunders in from the spot for @Wrexham_AFC!#EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/3YaiNDKrOS
— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) February 7, 2023
MORE:Sign up to watch the FA Cup on ESPN+
With 20 minutes to play, a huge upset was on the cards. Mullin was clumsily fouled by substitute Oliver Norwood in the box to leave referee Leigh Doughty with little choice.
The Wrexham hero opted for power again but drove his strike to Adam Davies’ right. The United goalkeeper guessed correctly and saved superbly.
An increasingly fractious contest bubbled up to a breathless finale. Wrexham defender Max Cleworth appeared to handle a Norwood shot in the area but his reprieve did not last when he missed a punt downfield and veteran striker Sharp finished expertly.
Wrexham had to pour forward, leaving James McAtee to craft a similar goal to the opener for Berge. There was a lot of distance travelled in between those two moments on an FA Cup evening flecked with the competition’s famous magic.
A spot in the #EmiratesFACup fifth round ➡️ Sealed for @SheffieldUnited ⚔️#EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/XR2MgXwHbt
— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) February 7, 2023
MORE: Sheffield United vs Wrexham live stream, TV channel, lineups, betting odds for FA Cup replay
Should Paul Mullin play for Wales?
An international call-up will be the last thing on Mullin’s mind after a night of personal joy turned to despair. But it speaks volumes of the 28-year-old’s talents that, heading into this game, Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson was fielding questions about his top scorer being selected for Wales, who he qualifies for via his grandmother.
His eventual returns from the penalty spot were mixed but Mullin was otherwise a consistent menace. Having fed off scraps before halftime, his movement and tenacity drove United’s defenders to distraction during the second half. “Mullls, over the two games, he’s given Championship, Premier League defenders a really tough time,” Parkinson said afterwards before addressing some spicy goings-on after the game, where players from each team accused one another of a lack of respect.
Prior to that, Mullin was roared off by the away fans and heavily booed by the Bramall Lane faithful when cramp ended his evening early. He had unquestionably made his mark and led the way in driving Sheffield United to the brink. It still seems a bit far-fetched to have Gareth Bale replaced by a fifth-tier striker but, on this evidence, Mullin would not let anyone down.
15 – Wrexham are the first non-league team to score 15 goals in an FA Cup campaign (first round onwards) since Bishop Auckland in 1954-55. Magic. https://t.co/45KhgkKRu9
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) February 7, 2023
Will James McAtee play for Man City?
This week’s bombshell of the Premier League charging Manchester City with 115 counts of alleged financial impropriety could serve to change the trajectory of most careers at the Etihad Stadium. For standout youngsters like James McAtee, the loanee who shone for Sheffield United against Wrexham, the prospect of punishments from transfer bans to points deductions or even relegation could create an opportunity at his parent club.
Even if things continue in something close to normality at the Etihad Stadium next season, it would be no surprise if Pep Guardiola wanted to have McAtee around. An elegant left-footed playmaker and a slightly late developer, the 20-year-old showed considerable character after a dreadful one-on-one miss during the first half that brought a reaction from the Wrexham fans behind the goal akin to a pantomime on steroids.
McAtee continued to prod and poke at Wrexham’s stubborn backline, refusing to hide when it would have been easy to do so. His reward was a game-sealing assist.
James McAtee, FA Cup Ready! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/b5ZEukktnk
— Sheffield United (@SheffieldUnited) February 7, 2023
“I’m delighted with Macca for lots of reasons,” Blades boss Paul Heckingbottom said afterwards. “He’s had so many tests and challenges. Everyone has seen his ability and what he can bring; we’re also seeing the areas of his game that he needs to improve on. I think if you asked him he’d say how good this [being on loan at Sheffield United] is for him, but I don’t think he’ll realise how big it has been for him for a while yet.
“I’m pleased with his performance and lots of parts of his game. He knows I’m going to pick holes as well where he needs to improve. Him coming into the Championship has done so much for his development as a footballer. Hopefully he gets to the top level and is playing in the Premier League all his career. He’ll be a better player for this season, definitely.”
Sheffield United vs. Wrexham live updates, highlights from the FA Cup fourth-round replay
Fulltime: Sheffield United will host Tottenham in the fifth round. They were made to dig deep once again by Wrexham, who will look back on that second Paul Mullin penalty as a great “what if”.
90th minute+6:GOOOOAAAAAAALLLLLLL!!!!!! Sander Berge!!!!!!!
Wrexham have to pile forward. There’s loads of room on the break. James McAtee holds up the attack, takes his time and slips a pass to Berge. Bit like the first goal that.
90th minute+4:GOOOOAAAAAAALLLLLLL!!!!!! Billy Sharp!!!!!!!
Surely, surely Billy Sharp wins it for the Blades. The goal came from a Wrexham chance. Ollie Palmer had a pass on to his right but went for glory. The ball was pumped down field, Max Cleworth got himself in an awful tangle and Sharp had ice in his veins.
A spot in the #EmiratesFACup fifth round ➡️ Sealed for @SheffieldUnited ⚔️#EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/XR2MgXwHbt
— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) February 7, 2023
90th minute+2: Oliver Norwood has a shot deflected behind. Unted areconvincedthat was handball. Looking at the replay, Max Cleworth is a verrrrry lucky boy. No VAR tonight!
90th minute: There will be six additional minutes. If we can’t find a winner in those, it’ll be 30 minutes of extra time.
89th minute: Now Oliver Norwood himself lines up a drive from way downtown. It’s blocked behind. For a change, John Egan wins the header from the corner but Iliman Ndiaye can’t nod home.
88th minute: Billy Sharp thinks he’s won it from Oliver Norwood’s cross but he’s offside!
86th minute: Long ball forward but Billy Sharp never looks like bringing it under his spell and boots over.
84th minute: Sander Berge, who hasn’t been able to have the influence he’d have liked on this frantic second half, has a shot deflected behind. Ollie Palmer is back to head clear, then heads a second cross behind for another United set piece that Lainton punches to safety.
82nd minute: Double substitution for Wrexham and Paul Mullin, who just had some treatment, is one of the men to make way. On comes Jack Bickerstaff. Can he be the hero?
78th minute: Rob Lainton again! Jack Robinson is the latest player to pick at Wrexham’s set-piece weaknesses but the visiting No. 1 gets down to his right to save.
77th minute: The action is absolutely frantic. Wrexham do not look affected by Mullin’s penalty being saved at all. Sheffield United fans are unhappy that referee Leigh Doughty is letting a lot of contact go.
72nd minute:SAVED BY ADAM DAVIES!!!!Mullin goes for power again but thumps it to the goalkeeper’s right. Davies guesses correctly and pushes clear. What a cup tie!
— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) February 7, 2023
71st minute:PENALTY TO WREXHAM!!!!
Woowwwww!!!! Sheffield United substitute Oliver Norwood blunders into Paul Mullin and there’s no doubt about that one.
70th minute: Twenty minutes to go and, bizarre as it might sound, Wrexham are looking like the stronger side. Tom O’Connor getting ready to come on.
67th minute: They don’t look quite as nervy when they can get James McAtee on the ball. Operating from the right this half, the playmaker sends an in-swinging cross towards Billy Sharp at the far post but he can’t convert under pressure.
65th minute: Big Ollie Palmer is on for Wrexham. They’re going for this. Paul Mullin can’t get much power on a header from a corner moving away from goal. Another Ben Tozer long throw is dealt with but Sheffield United look nervy.
63rd minute: Paul Mullin crumples to the turf looking for another penalty. The referee isn’t interested. Safe to say the Sheffield United players are deeply unimpressed.
58th minute: GOOOOAAALLLLL!!!!! Paul Mullin (pen)!!!!!!!
Mullin absolutely CLATTERS the penalty high into the net. Bedlam behind the goal. Flares on the pitch. Magic of the FA Cup!
Just listen to the @Wrexham_AFC roar 🔊#EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/IPTaGUPoSV
— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) February 7, 2023
56th minute: PENALTY TO WREXHAM! Can you believe it??? Anel Ahmedhodzic goes from hero to zero as he grabs at Mullin. The contact started outside the box but it carried on inside and Mullin was only too happy to go down.
55th minute: That was almost tie over. McAtee the provider again and Billy Sharp is in. Another excellent save from Rob Lainton.
50th minute:GOOOOAAALLLLL!!!!! Ahmedhodzic ring!!!!!
Sheffield United have the breakthrough. Billy Sharp swings in a cross from the left that Chris Basham can’t get to. But the veteran doesn’t give up the chance, wins the second ball and finds McAtee. The young playmaker slots a well-weighted pass into the path of Ahmedhodzic, who denies Lainton any heroics this time by lashing high into the net.
As cool as you like from @Anelswe for @SheffieldUnited 🥶#EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/TWWgxxv2cA
— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) February 7, 2023
48th minute: Wrexham start on the front foot. Sheffield United have to repel one of Ben Tozer’s scud missile long throws and a corner.
46th minute: We go again!
Halftime: Wrexham head in level! It’s been all Sheffield United but Rob Lainton in the Wrexham goal didn’t have much to do until he produced one of the best saves you’re ever likely to see to thwart Anel Ahmedhodzic. The National League side will attack the end where their raucous away fans are during the second half and Paul Heckingbottom’s Championship high flyers might just start to get a little twitchy.
45th minute+2: Wrexham defend a couple of corners with relatively few problems. Then Paul Mullin is wrestled to the ground by debutant Ismaila Coulibaly, who is rightly booked.
45th minute: It looks like Wrexham are going to see out the half and it’s thanks, in large part, to one man. About that Ronb Lainton save…
And he’s just made an incredible save!! 0.63 xGOT! pic.twitter.com/o3Wvb7li3z
— Kyle Bonn (@the_bonnfire) February 7, 2023
39th minute: Sheffield United corner and it’s the same old story. Ben Osborn delivery, John Egan gets there first and heads over.
38th minute: James McAtee might not look back on this half with too much fondness, but he’s been the busiest of the United attackers. He darts into the box and Wrexham skipper Luke Young judges his saving tackle very well.
36th minute: Billy Sharp now gives Rob Lainton some work. It’s well hit but straight at the Wrexham goalkeeper, who should have been worked harder there.
A fantastic save from @RobLainton for @Wrexham_AFC! 🧤#EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/gg4oEnb1dP
— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) February 7, 2023
35th minute:Incredible save from Rob Lainton!Iliman Ndiaye jinks into the Wrexham box from the left and sets the ball up for Anel Ahmedhodzic. The defender goes for power when placement was probably the way to go, but Lainton does incredibly well to repel the shot from close quarters.
29th minute: My, oh my – how has James McAtee not scored! Wrexham coughed up a loose ball on halfway and McAtee was clear. He charged through the Wrexham half unchallenged… only to shoot wide. The Wrexham fans behind the goaleruptwith delight and mirth.
— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) February 7, 2023
28th minute: Paul Mullin gets some space to shoot from about 25 yards. It’s deflected wide and Sheffield United deal with the corner.
27th minute: A bit of restlessness among the locals as we approach the half hour. Wrexham are digging in really well. James McAtee shapes to shoot again from the right-hand corner of the penalty area. Once again, Ron Lainton isn’t troubled.
22nd minute: James McAtee shuffles into a shooting position and drives into the Wrexham box, where he slashes wide left-footed.
19th minute: Billy Sharp floats a teasing ball over the Wrexham six yard box, Sander Berge drills a second in low. The visitors need to buy themselves a bit of respite.
18th minute: Iliman Ndiaye cuts in and lets fly. Wrexham defender Max Cleworth stands firm to block.
16th minute: Snap shot from experienced United striker Billy Sharp is comfortably pouched by Rob Lainton. Sharp’s opposite number Paul Mullin hasn’t had a kick of note yet.
10th minute: Another chance for Ben Osborn to deliver from the left as Ben Tozer coughs up a corner. Again a Sheffield United head gets there first, but John Egan’s attempts gives Rob Lainton a routine save.
9th minute: Ben Osborn has to wait to take as the ball is replaced but his delivery is excellent and Jack Robinson gets there ahead of his marker. The header is blocked in the goalmouth but this still looks like an area of weakness for Wrexham.
8th minute: Wicked cross whipped in from the left and Wrexham defender Harry Lennon does well to clear over his own bar. Corner to Sheffield United, who were lethal from set pieces during the first game.
6th minute: As you might expect, the team three divisions higher up the football pyramid are well on top, but no clear chances for Sheffield United just yet.
2nd minute: Lively start as Jacob Mendy charges towards a backpedalling Sheffield United defence before being halted on the edge of the area. At the other end Wrexham cough up possession to James McAtee but the Manchester City loanee can’t punish them.
1st minute: Sheffield United’s traditional ‘Greasy Chip Butty’ song is out of the way and we’re underway!
5 mins from kickoff: Wrexham’s players were roared off by a packed away end at the end of the warmups. It’s interesting to see a few rotations from their manager Phil Parkinson tonight, with Paul Mullin’s bruising strike partner Ollie Palmer on the bench as Sam Dalby gets the nod in attack. Of course, Sheffield United aren’t the only team with a league promotion campaign to think about.
15 mins from kickoff: The word around the press box tonight is that Wrexham co-owner Ryan Reynolds will not be in attendance. The directors’ box is entirely empty at the moment, so will keep an eye on whether anyone appears in a Deadpool onesie before kickoff.
30 mins from kickoff: It’s a landmark night for veteran Sheffield United defender Chris Basham.
Stalwart.
Piston.
A tremendous servant to Sheffield United Football Club.500 Career Appearances for Chris Basham. A fantastic achievement. 🚂👏 pic.twitter.com/3mWe6B61iZ
— Sheffield United (@SheffieldUnited) February 7, 2023
55 mins from kickoff: And this is what the Wrexham XI looks like.
TEAM NEWS | Here is your Wrexham team for this evening!
🔘 Starts for Rob Lainton, Harry Lennon and Andy Cannon
🔘Bryce Hosannah returns to the bench
— Wrexham AFC (@Wrexham_AFC) February 7, 2023
1 hour from kickoff: The teams are in. Sander Berge – who is presumed to be on the radar of several Premier League clubs – and Manchester City loanee James McAtee are among the Sheffield United starters.
Five changes from the XI that started at The Racecourse Ground. 🔴
Ismaila Coulibaly makes his full debut in midfield, whilst Sander Berge, Billy Sharp, Jack Robinson and Iliman Ndiaye all start.
𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗘 𝗢𝗡 𝗬𝗢𝗨 𝗕𝗟𝗔𝗗𝗘𝗦! ⚔️ pic.twitter.com/nIiNnts3vY
— Sheffield United (@SheffieldUnited) February 7, 2023
1 hr 10 mins from kickoff: The teams will be announced in 10 minutes’ time. Wrexham are once again likely to pin their hopes on prolific top scorer Paul Mullin. The former Cambridge United man has netted 27 goals in 31 appearances this season and his goal in the original tie against Sheffield United had the National League side on the brink of glory. A five-game scoring run for Mullin was snapped in the 2-1 weekend win at Altrincham but, improbably for a player operating outside of the professional league structure in England, there have been murmurings regarding a potential Wales call-up.
— Wrexham AFC (@Wrexham_AFC) February 7, 2023
1 hr 25 mins from kickoff: Sheffield United lie second in the Championship and are 10 points clear of third-placed Middlesbrough with a game in hand. A return to the Premier League beckons and, as such, Wrexham will hope their opponents’ focus is elsewhere tonight.
Cup ready under the lights! ✨🏆 pic.twitter.com/O58LEeuaIL
— Sheffield United (@SheffieldUnited) February 7, 2023
1 hr 40 mins from kickoff: We’re only here tonight because of John Egan, who scored an equaliser five minutes into stoppage time to salvage a 3-3 draw for 10-man Sheffield United and deny Wrexham an unforgettable triumph. The Republic of Ireland defender has been speaking to Sheffield United’s matchday programme.
They were well backed by a lively crowd, we had some stick all game at the Racecourse, so it was good to nip in at the back stick in the last minute and give a little bit back. It was a good game. They gave it everything, we gave it everything, it’ll be the same again I’m sure and we’re looking forward to the challenge.
2 hours from kickoff: Hello and welcome to The Sporting News’ live coverage of the FA Cup fourth-round replay between Sheffield United and Wrexham at Bramall Lane. Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s club came within minutes of claiming a famous scalp at the Racecourse Ground. Have they already passed up their best chance to beat Paul Heckingbottom’s Championship high-flyers?
Got a taste for giants. Going back for seconds. @Wrexham_AFC visits @SheffieldUnited tomorrow, live on @espn 2 and @ESPNPlus
📸: @LajWarrington @steaddotphotos pic.twitter.com/SSsbRIzdFh— Rob McElhenney (@RMcElhenney) February 6, 2023
Sheffield United vs. Wrexham lineups
United boss Paul Heckingbottom is still battling against a lengthy injury list with Enda Stevens, George Baldock, John Fleck and Rhys Norrington-Davies all out.
Tommy Doyle is also out with a calf problem and Daniel Jebbison is suspended after his red card at the Racecourse Ground.
Sheffield United starting XI (3-4-3): Davies (GK) — Basham, Ahmedhodzic, Egan — Robinson, Berge, Coulibaly, Osborn — Ndiaye, Sharp, McAtee
Subs: Foderingham (GK), Lowe, Norwood, Clark, Arblaster, Brooks, Marsh, Starbuck
Wrexham are likely to be without Jordan Tunnicliffe and Aaron Haydenwho were injured in the initial meeting of these sides. New signing Ewan O’Connellwho scored in the 2-1 win over Altrincham last weekend, is unavailable as he had not joined the club prior to the initial tie.
Wrexham starting XI (3-5-2): Lainton(GK) — Forde, Cleworth, Tozer — Lennon, Mendy, Young, J. Jones, Cannon — Mullin, Dalby.
Subs: Watson (GK), Palmer, McAlinden, Hosannah, O’Connor, Butler, Bickerstaff, James, Lee
MORE:Sign up to watch the FA Cup on ESPN+
How to watch Sheffield United vs. Wrexham
| TV channel | Streaming | |
|---|---|---|
| USA | ESPN2 | ESPN+, fuboTV |
| Canada | Sportsnet (Regionals) | Sportsnet Now |
| UK | ITV4 | ITVX |
| Australia | — | Paramount+ |
| New Zealand | Sky Sports 7 beIN Sports | beIN Sports Connect New Zealand |
| India | — | — |
| Hong Kong | — | myTV Great |
| Malaysia | Astro Super Sport 3 | Sooka, Astro GO |
| Singapore | — | — |
UK: This match is broadcast live on ITV4 and via the ITVX streaming service.
USA:This match streams on ESPN+ for subscribers in the USA and will be broa dcast on ESPN2. The match will also be available to stream on fuboTVwhich carries ESPN2.
Canada:FA Cup matches in Canada are streamed through Sportsnet.
Australia:Fans in Australia can stream the match on Paramount+.
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