3rd-tier Sheffield United into FA Cup semifinals
LONDON (AP) — Sheffield United became the first third-tier team to reach the FA Cup semifinals since 2001 by beating Charlton 2-0 in the first of three quarterfinal matches on Sunday.
United faces Hull in the semifinals, and Manchester City or Wigan takes on Arsenal.
Managed by Nigel Clough, the son of late English coaching great Brian Clough, United continued its stunning exploits in the competition. Two goals in the space of two second-half minutes by Ryan Flynn and John Brayford earned a trip to Wembley Stadium.
United has eliminated Aston Villa and Fulham in the run to the last four. It last played in the Premier League in 2007.
Hull also advanced to the semifinals by beating Sunderland 3-0 in an all-Premier League clash with three quick second-half goals after Sunderland goalkeeper Oscar Ustari had saved Sone Aluko's 33rd-minute penalty.
Tigers captain Curtis Davies rose highest in the 68th to head in Tom Huddlestone's free kick, before David Meyler supplied a cool finish four minutes later after chasing down a punt upfield from George Boyd. Lee Cattermole played a shocking back pass which left the lurking Matty Fryatt with the simplest of chances to score just minutes later.
In the remaining last-eight game Sunday, Man City plays reigning champion Wigan in a repeat of the 2013 final.
Arsenal progressed on Saturday with a 4-1 win over Everton.
