Sheffield United boss Nigel Clough hailed his players after holding Premier League side Fulham to a 1-1 draw in the FA Cup at Bramall Lane.
The blades had led until the final fifteen minutes of the game thanks to a striker from Chris Porter but they faced a back against the wall challenge after captain Michael Doyle was sent off early in the second half after an altercation with Chris David in the Fulham midfield.
Speaking to BBC Radio Sheffield, Clough said, “It was a remarkable effort. We were a bit disappointed at half time that we hadn`t played a bit more despite getting the goal but I didn`t think we were good enough on the ball.
“In the second half, even with ten-men, I thought it improved dramatically and we were at least worthy of a draw. The work rate stood out a mile and the organisation. It was an incredible effort.”
Despite being down to ten-men, United created the better chances before the equalising goal. Ryan Flynn went closest when he got around his man on the right before being denied by the feet of Fulham goalkeeper David Stockdale.
Flynn also had strong claims for a penalty waved away when he was caught in the penalty area but referee Andre Marriner, who had also waved away a strong appeal from Fulham in the first half, was uninterested.
The blades defended heroically and goalkeeper George Long had a reasonably quiet afternoon with the blades defence and midfield putting their bodies on the line to deny the Fulham attack.
Fulham striker Hugo Rodallega finally broke their resolve when he fired home from the edge of the area.
The visitors then pressed strongly for a winner. Philippe Senderos saw an effort come back of the bar and both Patjim Kasami and Darren Bent missed great chances to give them the lead.
Damien Duff also saw a deflected effort tipped around the post by Long and in the final moments, Fulham substitute Adel Taarabt saw his long-range effort go just wide.
The draw was no less than United deserved though and they will now travel to Craven Cottage for a replay on Tuesday February 4th.
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