FA Cup 5th Round – It’s been a while!

Cast your mind back to the 1997/98 season, not the greatest in the league but was an excellent one for cup runs. Knocked out in the Quarter final of the League Cup by a Paul Merson inspired Middlesbrough before we embarked on an FA Cup run.


In the 3rd and 4th round we needed replays to get past Cheltenham and Cardiff, but overcame both sides at Elm Park at the second attempt. Martyn Booty scored a late winner to see of Cheltenham whilst a penalty shoot out was needed to knock out Cardiff. So who would we get in the 5th round – Man Utd, Arsenal, Liverpool, Newcastle?? No, Sheffield United away!


Despite that the Royals supporters travelled to South Yorkshire in good numbers and Terry Bullivent’s side equitted themselves well and managed to hold the home side right up until the final few minutes.


Just as it looked like another replay at Elm Park, up popped former Royals loanee Lee Sandford to score the winner.


The Blades went onto beat Coventry in the Quarter final before finally being knocked out by Newcastle in the semi final at Old Trafford.


Lets hope Brian McDermott’s side can go one better this weekend.