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The FA Cup - Fourth Round
Sheff UtdSheffield United2PlymouthPlymouth Argyle1

Sheffield United 2-1 Plymouth Argyle: Chris Basham and Billy Sharp goals take Blades into FA Cup round five

By Michael EmonsBBC Sport

Last updated on .From the section FA Cupcomments100

Premier League strugglers Sheffield United gained only their third win of the season as they beat Plymouth Argyle in their FA Cup fourth-round tie.

The Blades, bottom of the Premier League, went ahead when Chris Basham headed in from Billy Sharp's cross.

Sharp added a second, scoring after going around goalkeeper Michael Cooper.

Panutche Camara, who missed a good chance in the first half, pulled one back with a low strike, but the Blades held on to move into the fifth round.

Sheffield United play at home to Championship side Bristol City in the last 16 after the Robins defeated Millwall 3-0.

The Blades failed to win in any of their opening 18 matches in all competitions in 2020-21 before knocking out League One side Bristol Rovers 3-2 in the third round of the cup and a 1-0 league victory over Newcastle.

Club record signing Rhian Brewster, still looking for his first Blades goal since a £23m move from Liverpool in October, had two early chances against the Pilgrims but headed wide from 12 yards out and then had a 25-yard strike saved by Cooper.

League One side Plymouth, who eliminated Championship Huddersfield Town in the third round, should have opened the scoring but, following a fine passing move, Camara shot wide when unmarked 12 yards out.

The hosts were then unlucky not to have a penalty as Ethan Ampadu's shot was blocked by the arms of Plymouth defender Kelland Watts, with the incident going to the video assistant referee.

Chris Basham
Chris Basham's goal was his first for Sheffield United since scoring in a 1-0 away win over Leeds United in the Championship on 16 March, 2019

But the Blades went ahead in the 39th minute as Sharp's cross was powerfully met by a Basham header, before Sharp scored himself soon after the restart.

Camara set up a thrilling finish when he scored following substitute Byron Moore's pull-back. Plymouth's Ben Reeves had a chance to force extra time but shot just wide as the Premier League team gained the victory.

'We've done everyone proud' - what they said

Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder: "They had to chuck everything at us and we're disappointed with the manner of their goal. We had to have an attitude about us and we had that, it wasn't as comfortable as it should have been but we saw it out.

"It's the end bit again that has cost us. I've been involved in this cup many times as a player and a manager and these are not straightforward ties.

"They would have sniffed a result here but the attitude and play was good. We just didn't go from 2-0 to 3-0 which would have seen it out.

"Indecision in a poor area, we've got to cut that out. It doesn't matter what level you play at, you'll get punished."

Plymouth Argyle boss Ryan Lowe: "We ran them close. To come here and go toe-to-toe with them and showcase what we've got, we did that.

"We missed a great chance in the first half, he's [Camara] been scoring them of late, but you can't fault them. There's no shame losing 2-1 at Bramall Lane.

"Our main priority is the league. If there was another five minutes, who knows, but we've done everyone proud."

Line-ups

Sheff Utd

Formation 3-5-2

  • 1Ramsdale
  • 6Basham
  • 12Egan
  • 22Ampadu
  • 20BogleSubstituted forBaldockat 71'minutes
  • 7Lundstram
  • 16NorwoodBooked at 68minsSubstituted forBryanat 72'minutes
  • 4Fleck
  • 3Stevens
  • 24BrewsterSubstituted forMcGoldrickat 79'minutes
  • 10SharpSubstituted forBurkeat 79'minutes

Substitutes

  • 2Baldock
  • 13Lowe
  • 14Burke
  • 15Jagielka
  • 17McGoldrick
  • 18Foderingham
  • 26Rodwell
  • 29Bryan
  • 34Ndiaye

Plymouth

Formation 3-5-2

  • 1Cooper
  • 4Aimson
  • 24Opoku
  • 2WattsBooked at 90mins
  • 8Edwards
  • 28Pereira CamaráSubstituted forNoubleat 88'minutes
  • 18FornahSubstituted forReevesat 59'minutes
  • 10Mayor
  • 15Grant
  • 31JephcottSubstituted forMooreat 64'minutes
  • 9HardieSubstituted forTelfordat 64'minutes

Substitutes

  • 5Wootton
  • 7Nouble
  • 11Telford
  • 14Reeves
  • 17Moore
  • 23McCormick
  • 27Law
  • 37Pursall
  • 38Mitchell
Referee:
Lee Mason

Match Stats

Home TeamSheff UtdAway TeamPlymouth
Possession
Home57%
Away43%
Shots
Home16
Away7
Shots on Target
Home6
Away2
Corners
Home5
Away2
Fouls
Home14
Away4

Live Text

  1. Post update

    Match ends, Sheffield United 2, Plymouth Argyle 1.

  2. Full Time

    Second Half ends, Sheffield United 2, Plymouth Argyle 1.

  3. Post update

    Foul by George Baldock (Sheffield United).

  4. Post update

    Jerome Opoku (Plymouth Argyle) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

  5. Booking

    Kelland Watts (Plymouth Argyle) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.

  6. Post update

    Oliver Burke (Sheffield United) wins a free kick in the attacking half.

  7. Post update

    Foul by Kelland Watts (Plymouth Argyle).

  8. Post update

    Corner, Sheffield United. Conceded by Michael Cooper.

  9. Post update

    Attempt saved. Oliver Burke (Sheffield United) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the top centre of the goal. Assisted by David McGoldrick with a headed pass.

  10. Post update

    Attempt missed. Byron Moore (Plymouth Argyle) right footed shot from the right side of the box is high and wide to the right following a set piece situation.

  11. Post update

    Foul by Chris Basham (Sheffield United).

  12. Post update

    Frank Nouble (Plymouth Argyle) wins a free kick on the left wing.

  13. Substitution

    Substitution, Plymouth Argyle. Frank Nouble replaces Panutche Camará.

  14. Post update

    Foul by Oliver Burke (Sheffield United).

  15. Post update

    Will Aimson (Plymouth Argyle) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

  16. Post update

    Foul by John Egan (Sheffield United).

  17. Post update

    Dominic Telford (Plymouth Argyle) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

  18. Post update

    Foul by John Lundstram (Sheffield United).

  19. Post update

    Danny Mayor (Plymouth Argyle) wins a free kick on the left wing.

  20. Post update

    Foul by Ethan Ampadu (Sheffield United).

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100 comments

  • Comment posted by morg, at 17:15 23 Jan 2021

    Argyle fan here. United deserved the victory today and well done to them. But I am proud at how well Argyle pushed them, especially in the last 20 mins.

    However, if I was a Sheffield United fan I would be very worried. They looked like they lacked any real quality right across the pitch, especially up front.

    And whoever sanctioned spending £23m for Brewster must have a hard look at themselves.

    • Reply posted by Theres always this season, at 17:20 23 Jan 2021

      Theres always this season replied:
      Been a long wait for a HYS for Argyle shame Camara missed, earlier, a similar chance to the one he scored though I think the Keeper should have saved it

  • Comment posted by penfold, at 17:33 23 Jan 2021

    Well played Argyle - stuck to your guns and kept passing throughout. Good luck to both PAFC and SUFCfor the rest of the most unusual of seasons

  • Comment posted by Green Custard, at 17:21 23 Jan 2021

    Full credit to Plymouth they came to play. Fo large parts of the game they just couldn't gain possession. Plymouths goal came as a result of a series of unforced errors from the Blades. Really impressed with the Plymouth keeper who looked confident. It seems that Ramsdale is so low in confidence that he is a liability.

  • Comment posted by Louis, at 19:01 23 Jan 2021

    Putting aside the actual match and result - can somebody clearly explain to me how it was not a penalty under current rules? Even the VAR checked it and said no! How many times in the past year have we seen pens given for handball even by players with their hands by their side? Having said that - don't agree with VAR being used in the FA Cup unless it is used in all matches.

    • Reply posted by walesblade, at 19:41 23 Jan 2021

      walesblade replied:
      Lee Mason is a walking (can’t run) joke.
      Should be removed from the ref list.
      VAR absolute joke.

  • Comment posted by Eurows, at 18:35 23 Jan 2021

    Looks like they bought Brewster for the future - the Championship.

    • Reply posted by Paul , at 19:45 23 Jan 2021

      Paul replied:
      Third division

  • Comment posted by Tigger, at 17:32 23 Jan 2021

    As a Blade, a win is a win.....

    ...but I'm worried that once Argyle scored we looked shaky again. That on top of Brewster mis-firing again (& outshone by veteran Sharp) & Ramsdale showing his lack of shot stopping ability, isn't something to inspire confidence.

    But a win is a win & for 70 minutes we actually played some good football.

    • Reply posted by Pat Pending, at 18:38 23 Jan 2021

      Pat Pending replied:
      Found your level hey.

  • Comment posted by bbc sports are Muppets, at 17:23 23 Jan 2021

    Another shambolic performance from Ramsdale beaten under is body again
    When are we going to learn he is not a goalkeeper at this level

    • Reply posted by Anonymous, at 19:50 23 Jan 2021

      Anonymous replied:
      Sick of Aaron being made the scapegoat, he's still young, he's only 21! Quite possibly the youngest goalkeeper in The PL. I sensed he was unhappy today. Aaron needs to be making the decisions, he needs to be in command of his goal area, he should not be being undermined. Some of the defenders were taking decisions out of his hand. Our midfielders should clear the ball, not make silly mistakes!

  • Comment posted by paul david, at 17:50 23 Jan 2021

    Brewster is looking a really bad buy

  • Comment posted by fairplay2u, at 18:11 23 Jan 2021

    Glad for Chris Wilder he is one of footballs good guys !

  • Comment posted by D1703163041409, at 17:42 23 Jan 2021

    The next round could be tricky as Bristol City had a good 3-0 win away at Millwall.

    • Reply posted by kennycanuck, at 18:06 23 Jan 2021

      kennycanuck replied:
      Quite right. Bristol City looked V.G.
      Blades will need to be sharp.
      Sorry, couldn't resist.

  • Comment posted by Eddy, at 17:03 23 Jan 2021

    Makes you think SheffU could be a good bet for promotion from League One season after next

    • Reply posted by donnybornscouser, at 17:08 23 Jan 2021

      donnybornscouser replied:
      Hilarious Eddy. Go audition for stand up comedy

  • Comment posted by Theres always this season, at 17:14 23 Jan 2021

    If Brewster can’t score against Argyle who have one if the worst defences in L1 will he ever score

    • Reply posted by Rainfordian, at 17:32 23 Jan 2021

      Rainfordian replied:
      Liverpool looking to resign him for £30m ;-)))))

  • Comment posted by Dolphin, at 17:16 23 Jan 2021

    Poor performance by the underdogs. They progress nevertheless.

  • Comment posted by Theres always this season, at 19:13 23 Jan 2021

    I recall a 1985 film called Brewster’s Millions where the title character had to spend millions of pounds and have nothing to show for it at the end of the day. Hope it doesn’t apply to Rhian

  • Comment posted by walesblade, at 17:33 23 Jan 2021

    Just managed it. Made a poor team look. A bit more game management and brain power would have saved a nervous last 15 minutes. Lee Mason usual standard. Awful blatant penalty not given. VAR waste of time.

    • Reply posted by Wibble, at 17:58 23 Jan 2021

      Wibble replied:
      You can't say that Lee Mason is inconsistent. He gets at least one obvious penalty decision wrong every game.

  • Comment posted by Daniel Coombs, at 17:30 23 Jan 2021

    Green and white barmy army.

  • Comment posted by william hawker, at 22:22 23 Jan 2021

    United deserved the win , but Argyle showed how good they are , Fornah gave the ball away far too many times , but the lad is still learning , Reeves made all the differance , but it was a little too late for Argyle , but I repeat United deserved the win , and hope they can turn their leagus form around , but I was pleased with my Argyle , pretty sure they will stay in league1 , maybe play offs

  • Comment posted by Daniella, at 08:57 24 Jan 2021

    Just a general football comment. It would appear many footballers cannot resist a hug. Do not complain when football is canned for the season. They have had their warnings.

    • Reply posted by Donny Blade, at 11:03 24 Jan 2021

      Donny Blade replied:
      Footballers should lead by example. They're so much in the spotlight. There is no excuse for the hugging at this point in time. It can be done Daniella. Older fans will maybe remember one of my clubs great goal scorers, Alan Woodward, who scored hundreds of brilliant goals and refused to hug, he just used to shake hands with his colleagues and play on. So it can be done

  • Comment posted by Donny Blade, at 08:14 24 Jan 2021

    Although it had no bearing on the game in the end, how a penalty wasn't given for that I'll never know. Please scrap VAR. It's just two refs making the wrong decision instead of one. Interesting the best game of the day was Cheltenham and City with no VAR. It would have changed the flow of the game and ruined it with toenails being ruled offside.

    • Reply posted by stevieblue, at 08:54 24 Jan 2021

      stevieblue replied:
      It was yet another glaring example of inconsistent decisions from VAR. The player's hands/arms were clearly high and wide, so it couldn't be said he was protecting his face.

  • Comment posted by stevieblue, at 09:34 24 Jan 2021

    Wilder had to put out a very strong side because Sheffield United desperately needed a confidence boosting win, against a League 1 side.

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