Sheffield United 3
Ellis o.g. 68
Evans 69, 78
Gulls 2
Howe 3
Stevens 90
A BRAVE performance from the Gulls saw them exit the FA Cup in the second round after losing 3-2to Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.
The score-line represented an unfair reflection on what was a terrific performance from Martin Ling's side who went ahead in the third minute through Rene Howe. The Blades fought back in the second half and equalised after a cruel Mark Ellis own goal, and two well-taken strikes from Ched Evans before Danny Stevens grabbed a late consolation.
United made one change from the team that drew against Port Vale last Friday, with Eunan O'Kane returning from suspension to replace Damon Lathrope, also on the banned list.
The game began following a fitting tribute to former Blades player and manager Gary Speed, with both fans observing the minute's applause beautifully and signing as one throughout the game.
The Gulls made an energetic start to the game and were rewarded in the third minute when some superb one touch football sliced open the home defence and allowed Howe to slot home.
The goal came from a Kevin Nicholson free kick, which was met by captain Lee Mansell with a neat flick, providing the perfectly-positioned Howe with a simple finish.
The Blades almost leveled through a set-piece of their own when Nicholson was judged to have fouled Lee Williamson on the right flank. Williamson took the free kick and sent a perfect ball into the box, but towering centre-back Harry Maguire failed to find the target.
The next ten minutes saw the home side begin to dominate but the Gulls defence proved resolute until a bizarre refereeing decision allowed the Blades another free-kick.
It was Mansell who was penalized this time after what looked to be yet another legitimate tackle. Former Manchester city striker Evans stepped up and would have scored a sensational equaliser had it not been for Bobby Olejink, who somehow got across to tip the ball over.
Despite being on the back-foot, the Yellows looked menacing on the counter and may have doubled their advantage on 26 minutes. Howe once again proved a thorn in the Blades side, showing great technique to juggle the ball and then play in Stevens who was unable to apply the finish.
The Gulls next venture forward was again through Howe whose expertly-timed run saw him through on goal and past the stranded Steve Simonsen. However, the former Stoke 'keeper did just enough to force the powerful forward sufficiently wide for the home defence to get back and recover.
With just two minutes remaining in the half, Mansell gave away a free-kick and was this time booked. Evans was once again thwarted by Olejink who got down low to palm the ball to safety.
For all the home side's possession, they looked the weaker side going forward thanks to a solid display by the Gulls back four. Chris Robertson and Ellis were particularly impressive, both putting their bodies on the line to ensure the score remained 1-0 at half time.
The second half began as the first ended, as the game continued to be played at a breakneck pace, and it was the home side who were first to test their opposition. Olejink made a terrific double-save, first from an Evans cross and then from David McAllister, before Evans sent a thunderous strike against the post.
The Gulls continued to defend as a unit and showed just what a place in the third round meant to them when Mansell threw himself in front of Evans close-range shot, thus saving a certain goal.
The Yellows second-half attacks were limited but Howe continued to hold the ball up incredibly well, playing his part in helping to relieve the pressure on United's brave defence.
With just over 20 minutes to go, the Blades drew level in the most unfortunate and cruel manner. Right-back Matt Lowton whipped a low ball into the box and Ellis' attempted clearance wrong-footed Olejink, who could only watch in despair as the ball nestled into the corner of the net.
The Blades took the lead within a minute, when the United defence stood off the impressive Evans and allowed him to run at goal and then dispatch a low finish into the corner.
After a terrific defensive display, the Gulls looked dead on their feet and the home side capitalized on the exhausted defence again in the 79th minute when a momentarily lapse in concentration saw the Gulls third-round dreams dashed by Evans.
With the game all but won for the home side, the Yellows continued to display the same level of commitment and desire as they did in the first half, Olejink making another crucial save to deny Evans a hat-trick.
The Gulls grabbed a consolation in the 93rd minute when Stevens broke the offside trap and smashed the ball past Simonsen.
It was a spirited performance from the Gulls on an emotionally-charged day at Bramall Lane and the men in yellow proved a credit to everybody at the club as the score ended 3-2 to Sheffield United.
Gulls (4-3-3): 1 Bobby Olejnik; 18 Joe Oastler, 5 Chris Robertson, 4 Mark Ellis, 3 Kevin Nicholson; 7 Lee Mansell (capt), 11 Ian Morris (23 Taiwo Atieno 77), 10 Eunan O'Kane; 15 Billy Bodin, 9 Rene Howe, 19 Danny Stevens. Substitutes (not used): 2 Lathaniel Rowe-Turner, 12 Daniel Leadbitter, 13 Martin Rice (GK), 16 Chris McPhee, 20 Tom Aldred, 24 Ashley Yeoman.
Booked: Mansell 44, Morris 61, Robertson 82, Howe 90
Referee: Chris Sarginson
Attendance: 10,105
Oscar Chamberlain
