Ward inspires Blades to victory

Super-sub Jamie Ward helped fire Sheffield United into the fourth round of the FA Cup as QPR made their familiar early exit despite a late rally in a 3-2 defeat. The Blades were clinging onto Lee Williamson's early opener - a drilled low shot across Radek Cerny from Nick Montgomery's curling centre - when Ward scored with his first touch. He met Stephen Quinn's cross to score in the 68th minute and then immediately set up a third for Richard Cresswell, charging down the right wing and crossing for his team-mate to tuck home his third goal of the season against the Hoops. A late Rangers comeback, courtesy of Akos Buzsaky's penalty after Derek Geary had handled, and Damion Stewart's header from Buzsaky`s free-kick, set up a nervy finish but the hosts were unable to arrest their dismal FA Cup record. They have not won a single tie in the competition since 2001 - a run now stretching 13 games - so it was little surprise to see United join a list of teams including Luton, Grimsby and Vauxhall Motors in sending them spinning out at the first hurdle.

Source: PA