Sheffield United discovered the full extent of the challenge that promotion could bring, as they lost 4-0 to Birmingham City at Bramall Lane.
Two goals from Adam Rooney helped ease Birmingham into the fifth round of the FA Cup, with Nathan Redmond and Wade Elliot also on the score sheet.
Coming into the match with a strong home record, the Blades were confident they could cause an upset. A combination of clinical finishing and incisive passing from the away side ensured that these hopes were unfounded.
The Blades started very well with Stephen Quinn and Ched Evans testing the Blues kepper Colin Doyle. A stinging shot from Evans was fumbled by Doyle whose afternoon was littered with handling errors.
This early pressure was not rewarded and Birmingham took the lead against the run of play. Jordan Mutch swung in a low corner from the right and found Nathan Redmond who drilled the ball home.
17-year-old Redmond is being tracked by several Premier League clubs and he produced an exciting performance, highlighting the confidence he possesses.
United tried to respond and Doyle was nearly punished for spilling a Ched Evans free kick. He managed to pounce on the ball before anyone could make a meaningful contact.
The Blades again failed to make good use of their possession and on 38 minutes Adam Rooney added a second for the away team.
Chris Burke made a surging run down the right hand side and Rooney was waiting in the area to sweep the ball into the roof of the net.
United had matched their higher placed opponents for much of the first half, but the gulf in class was evident as Birmingham displayed a ruthless streak in front of goal.
The second half followed a similar pattern. United took the game to Birmingham and Lee Williamson forced Doyle into a superb save from close range. Matt Lowton hooked the rebound towards goal but his strike struck the crossbar and was hammered away to safety.
A Blades goal could have created an absorbing comeback, however on sixty minutes Birmingham put the game out of reach.
A fine Birmingham move found Rooney on the left. He found Wade Elliot in the centre and after good control he struck a low shot past Simonsen into the right hand corner of the net. The ball appeared to take a slight deflection, but it was still a wonderful finish from the former Burnley man.
The Blades battled on in vain, knowing their cup run was over for another season. The score line flattered Birmingham, but the 18,072 could see the difference in the two teams came in front of goal.
Adam Rooney completed the rout with his fourth, firing home after David Murphy had crossed from the left following a superb Blues passing move.
The manner of the defeat was alarming for the Blades, but manager Danny Wilson will be hopeful that the defeat allows his side to fully focus on the push for promotion.
Related posts: