Sheff Utd v Middlesbrough 02/17/2008

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Sheff Utd 0-0 Middlesbrough

Sheffield United and Middlesbrough will meet again on Tuesday week as their FA Cup fifth-round tie ended goalless.

Highlights



Blades striker James Beattie hit the post in first-half stoppage time from a free-kick, but the home side failed to turn their dominance into goals.

Boro came back into it in the second period and Mido's overhead kick was brilliantly saved by Paddy Kenny.

Emmanuel Pogatetz could have won it late on for the visitors but his header was cleared off the line.

New Blades boss Kevin Blackwell, who replaced Bryan Robson last week, received a standing ovation from the Bramall Lane crowd before kick-off as the home side went in search of a hat-trick of Premier League scalps in this year's competition.

Middlesbrough were aiming to reach a third successive FA Cup quarter-final and started with Mido, who has been out for the last three weeks, alongside Jeremie Aliadiere in attack with record signing Afonso Alves on the bench.

It was a typical cup tie right from kick-off with both sides fully committed and the game played at a frenetic pace.

The visitors struggled to settle and Matt Kilgallon's smartly struck shot was well saved by Mark Schwarzer.

Billy Sharp failed to connect with Derek Geary's cross and Jonathan Stead sent his downward header just wide as the home side continued to press, while at the other end efforts from Stewart Downing and Aliadiere were easily saved by Kenny.

As the half drew to a close, David Wheater was lucky to escape with just a booking after dragging back Sharp when the striker raced through and in stoppage time Beattie struck the post from a well-rehearsed set-play.

Beattie and Michael Tonge pretended to run into each as they shaped to hit the free-kick, but the former Southampton and Everton striker saw his curling shot crash against the post.

The visitors came to life in the second period, but only after Stead had tested Schwarzer from outside the box.

Mido was denied by Kenny when he tipped the Egyptian's acrobatic overhead kick over the bar and from the resulting corner Wheater's powerful header was turned over by the Blades goalkeeper

Downing then flashed a brilliantly struck volley wide from Mido's pinpoint pass and Fabio Rochemback also went close with an effort from outside the box as Boro took control.

Just like their hosts in the first period, the visitors failed to take their chances and Blades substitute Chris Armstrong flashed the ball over the bar after another well-worked free-kick.

United had appeals for a penalty turned down late on as George Boateng struck the ball against his own arm, but referee Chris Foy waved away the protests.

And with two minutes remaining Pogatetz could have snatched it for Boro but his header was cleared off the line.
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Team News

Sheffield United midfielder Gary Speed (groin) is a major doubt and Chris Armstrong, Lee Hendrie or David Carney could replace him.

Ugo Ehiogu (hamstring) is in a race to be fit to face his ex-club but strikers Jon Stead and Rob Hulse may return.

Middlesbrough's Afonso Alves is set to make his FA Cup debut, while fellow striker Mido is in the squad.

Striker Tuncay Sanli is lacking match fitness, with Chris Riggott (hamstring) and Lee Cattermole (knee) again out.

About the Match

Kevin Blackwell takes charge of Sheffield United for this fifth round tie, as the Blades look to complete a hat-trick of Premier League scalps in this FA Cup campaign.

Bryan Robson's departure from Bramall Lane means he misses the chance to face the club he left just over seven years ago.

Middlesbrough have never won the FA Cup, but face a club who've lifted the trophy on four occasions.

This is one of three Championship against Premier League ties in the fifth round.

The League ladder

Middlesbrough are 24 places higher than Sheffield United in the league standings.

Head to Head Details

All competitions

These clubs met in the Premier League last season, when both fixtures were won by the side playing at home, but Middlesbrough have not won at Bramall Lane for 21 years, since a 0-2 victory in the old Second Division on 7 November 1987. Drawn one and lost four of the five subsequent visits.

FA Cup

These clubs have only been drawn against each other once previously; the Blades winning a home second round replay 3-0 in 1923 on their way to the semi-finals.