Mick McCarthy paid tribute to his players’ work rate after seeing his team win a hard-fought 1-0 victory to go through to the FA Cup semi finals at either Villa Park or Old Trafford on the first weekend of April.
Tommy Smith scored the only goal of the match only 14 minutes in, and Neil Warnock’s side were simply not in it for the remainder of the first half. The second half, however, was a battle fought in midfield with the Blades showing their mettle and fighting every inch of the way; when fourth official Matt Messias indicated first four, then five minutes of injury time, Sunderland fans had their hearts in their mouths. Referee Steve Dunn finally allowed SIX minutes of nail-biting extra time before allowing Sunderland to celebrate their progression to the semi finals.
McCarthy said his team played very well in the first half before having the fight taken to them: “I thought we were considerably the better team in the first half.
“We could have done with another goal to kill it off altogether but it didn’t come, but what a great finish from Tommy Smith.
“I’ve known Neil Warnock a long time as a manager – I didn’t expect him to take any chances with this match, I knew he wouldn’t let his side lie down and die. I was expecting an onslaught from them in the second half, and it came. It’s been a rip-roaring cup tie!”
Asked if he would attribute the win to the memory of Bob Stokoe, McCarthy disagreed.
“Look, we’ve got this far and it’s nice as a tribute to Bob Stokoe. But I’d attribute this win to the players themselves – it was them, and they did a great job. We didn’t get any sentiment from Sheffield United.”
Arsenal and Man Utd have already booked their place in the semi finals, but the Millwall – Tranmere quarter final will be replayed after the match ended a draw, but McCarthy said of the possible daunting semi-final opposition, “I’m not bothered who we get. I watched Arsenal yesterday and they were awesome – I think we’ll all want to avoid them! But no, I’m not bothered who we get. We’re through now.”
Blades’ manager Neil Warnock took some stick from Sunderland supporters after suggesting when the quarter final draw was made that he preferred to play Birmingham City at this stage – but he acknowledged the home supporters today.
“It’s a fabulous place here with a great atmosphere – but I think we quietened them down in the second half.
“At half time, I told my lads they had to stop feeling so sorry for themselves because they looked like a bunch of wimps!
“We let their full backs frighten us, and a few of our lads looked overawed. They bullied us out of it but once we stood up to them, we were alright. Sunderland are good at the back, they haven’t let too many goals in this season.
“We dominated the second half and I thought we could’ve scored – we just need more determination from the start, instead of waiting until we’re under the cosh.”
And Warnock ended by saying “I hope Sunderland get a good draw – they’ve got a great chance if they get the right draw.
“It’ll be nice to see a team in red and white in the final!”
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