Blades denied by Zayatte strike

12 April 2012

Under-pressure Kevin Blackwell gained some relief as his Sheffield United side held Hull to claim a place in the FA Cup quarter-final draw.

Greg Halford put the Coca-Cola Championship side ahead with an early header in the fifth-round tie at Bramall Lane but Barclays Premier League team Hull responded to force a replay.

Kamil Zayatte, pushed into midfield from defence, claimed the equaliser with a strong header before the interval.

Hull could probably do without the replay as they look to secure their status in the top flight but they should still be favourites to reach the last eight for the first time since 1971.

United's performance was just what they needed after stuttering in their promotion push over the past month.

Hull, having decided not to risk knee injury victim Jimmy Bullard, had their first opportunity when Dean Marney, captain in the absence of injured Ian Ashbee, fired over.

The Blades grabbed the lead in the seventh minute after Hull left-back Andy Dawson slipped and allowed the dangerous David Cotterill to cross.

Halford outjumped Sam Ricketts at the far post to plant a firm header past the recalled Boaz Myhill.

Hull responded with Richard Garcia heading over from a Dawson corner.

And they levelled in the 34th minute when Dawson delivered a curling free-kick from the right and Zayatte got forward to glance a header past Paddy Kenny.

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