Porter - The former Derby County and Motherwell striker was the hero in last season’s First Round at Bristol Rovers when they won 2-1 and twelve months later was on the score sheet again has the Blades dramatically beat their League One rivals Colchester United by three goals to
two.
Earlier in the season the two United's drew 1-1 at Bramall Lane with Harry Maguire and Freddy Fears netting in the goals. However it was the former who got this FA Cup tie off to a bang when Maguire headed home the opener before forcing their opponents into scoring an own goal.
The hosts came back in the second half and soon found themselves level before, with ten minutes remaining Porter sent the keeper the wrong way to fire the Blades into the next round.
Blades boss Nigel Clough made changes coming into this fixture with notably Aidy White who hadn’t been granted permission from parent club Leeds United to play – Conor Coady took his place. He also rested striking duo Marlon King and Lyle Taylor opting to start Shaun Miller and the formidable Chris Porter.
The Blades certainly started the game off the brightest and within seven minutes Miller – who was starting his first game since December came very close to opening the scoring. His first touch sent McMahon surging forward but his near post shot was easily saved by Walker in the U’s goal.
Two minutes later United had their lead when MAGUIRE headed home and the Blades into the lead. United were dominant, so it came as no surprise 120 seconds later when they doubled their advantage.
It was claimed by PORTER but the dubious goals panel awarded goalie Walker with the unfortunate honour of an own-goal. The forward had floated in a cross, initially intended for Miller but found its way into the net via a couple of deflections via Eastman and Walker’s legs.
The visitors continued with a barrage of shots, McMahon tested Walker with a rasp 30 yard free-kick and Maguire fired over the top as the defenders were seemingly being handed all the opportunities.
At the other end Garbutt sent a free-kick looping over Long’s crossbar whilst former Rotherham United defender Marcus Bean also attempted from long range. The half-time whistle blew and United were well worth their lead but perhaps left disappointed that they had extended their advantage further.
Bond was replaced with Dickinson at the start of the second half as Colchester, who hadn’t mustered a shot on target in the first 45 minutes made changes to try and get back into this tie. And try as they might they soon put a foot back into it two minutes in when BONNE reacted quickest to head home Garbutt’s cross.
Porter headed wide as United looked to put the tie beyond the U’s but soon afterwards the hosts threatened their goal with vengeance as Bean and Garbutt pressed forward. But United should have taken their chance when Porter failed to capitalise on McMahon’s cross – he only had Walker to beat but made a hash of his effort.
On 64 minutes Colchester leveled the game; GARBUTT fired an almost identical effort which had paralyzed them only a week previous at Shrewsbury, firing low from distance and beyond the reach of Long in goal; 2-2.
Clough introduced Flynn three minutes later – replacing McGinn thought that there lead had been restored a minute earlier but walker did well to deny Porter’s header. With 16 minutes remaining Miller made way for Jose Baxter.
The former Oldham and Everton midfielders’ first input was to fire a free-kick straight at the Colchester wall. With ten minutes remaining PORTER made amends for earlier misses by scoring the winning goal from the penalty spot. Okuonghae had been judged to have handled in the box after Lappin crossed – it was a tough call but a spot kick was awarded. The former Ram stepped up, calmly fired to his right – sending the keeper the wrong way and finishing with style!
It was the Blades first away win of the season and their first since they won by a single goal at Tranmere Rovers on Good Friday last season.