Sheffield United narrowly missed out on a third Barclays Premier League scalp in this season's FA Cup and had to settle for a goalless draw against Middlesbrough.

New Sheffield United manager Kevin Blackwell was denied a winning start on his return to Bramall Lane only by the post.

Former Everton striker James Beattie struck the upright just before the break for the Blades - who also had two good penalty appeals for handball waved away - and that was the closest either side came.

In the second half Paddy Kenny produced two saves in the space of 60 seconds to deny Mido and then David Wheater.

Then, at the death, Emanuel Pogatetz's header almost won the game for the visitors but his effort was blocked by Chris Morgan.

After beating Bolton and Manchester City in previous rounds, Blackwell and United still have a chance to progress - and will at least be in the hat for Monday's quarter-final draw.

But if the Coca-Cola Championship side are to reach the sixth round they will have to do it the hard way as they face a replay at the Riverside on February 26.

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