Blackwell hails Blades display

14 February 2009 19:04
Sheffield United boss Kevin Blackwell paid tribute to his players following the FA Cup draw with Hull City.[LNB] The Blades were booed off the pitch after losing to rivals Sheffield Wednesday last weekend but they responded positively to earn a replay against the Tigers.[LNB]Greg Halford put Sheffield United ahead early on but Kamil Zayatte equalised for the Premier League side before half-time.[LNB]Blackwell was delighted with the performance and feels the result should also silence any doubters.[LNB]He said: "We have lost two in 15! Myself and Brownie (Hull boss Phil Brown) have been under pressure for whatever reason, and he has done an unbelievable job.[LNB]"But as you have seen today, these lads don't lose many games. They know what it takes to win games and stay in games. That means we have a chance to win games.[LNB]"They have responded ever since I have been here. Today they showed some real courage against a side that has powered into the Premier League and powered through the Premier League.[LNB]"Our goal was very well created and we played a little bit better today."[LNB]Brown reactionThe sides will meet in a replay on 26th February and Brown admits he would rather not have to plan for another match.[LNB]The Tigers are focused on trying to secure their top-flight survival but Brown is still glad to be in contention for FA Cup glory.[LNB]He said: "It was a great cup tie. But we are disappointed we have got another game.[LNB]"The next week is going to be interesting with Tottenham, replay, Blackburn, but that is life.[LNB]"You become a victim of your own success to a certain extent but we are in the hat for the quarter-finals of the FA Cup."[LNB]Brown added: "We came out of the traps fairly slowly but I take responsibility for that because of the changes I made.[LNB]"We got back into it slowly but surely but it was a feisty affair.[LNB]"There was a lot to take credit for. We got back into it from a set-piece and could have gone on to win it second half."[LNB]

Source: SKY_Sports