Preston North End staged a remarkable second-half comeback to knock Sheffield United out of the FA Cup, scoring three goals in 10 minutes in their 3-1 win in the fourth-round replay this evening.
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The visitors dominated the opening spell as Scott Laird just missed the top corner with a curling effort from outside the box, while Kevin Davies hit the woodwork from close range after rounding Mark Howard.
The Blades keeper continued to come under pressure throughout the first half as Paul Gallagher tried his luck from 20 yards out, while Tom Clarke forced another save with a looping header.
The hosts looked threatening on the counter-attack though, almost breaking the deadlock when Mark McNulty burst down the other end before seeing his shot deflected inches wide.
Nigel Clough's men took the lead just before the interval as Jamie Murphy continued his strong recent form in front of goal with a low drilled shot through a packed penalty area.
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Howard had to work to keep United ahead early in the second half as Laird battled for an equaliser, while Chris Humphrey put the rebound behind.
It did not take the visitors long to get back on level terms as Robert Harris gave away a free kick, allowing Gallagher to curl the ball into the top corner from 20 yards out.
Preston were ahead a few minutes later as Laird curled a corner in for Paul Huntington to head past Howard at the near post.
The resurgent visitors continued to pile forward, and they had a chance to extend their lead further less than 10 minutes after equalising when Humphrey was brought down by Jay McEveley in the box.
Gallagher stepped up to take the penalty, and netted for the second time from a set piece, slotting the ball into the bottom left corner.
The hosts kept pushing in stoppage time as they tried to give themselves some late hope, but McEveley missed the target with a long-range effort, while Murphy was denied a second late on.
Preston will face the winner of the tie between Manchester United and Cambridge United in the next round.
Sian Cowper
