Flynn sends Sheff Utd through

Sheffield United will hope to embark on another lengthy FA Cup run following their 2-0 first-round replay win over Crewe.

The Blades were beaten semi-finalists in the world's most prestigious cup competition last season and set up a second-round clash with Plymouth after Ryan Flynn's double was enough to see off their fellow League One opponents at Bramall Lane.

But Nigel Clough's men did not have it all their own way in the first half and the fact that United were able to take a 19th-minute lead was down to a superb double save from goalkeeper Mark Howard, who superbly kept out George Cooper's effort before miraculously recovering to deny Callum Saunders' follow-up.

And the hosts took advantage of still being on level terms five minutes later when they caught Crewe napping at a short corner and Flynn was on hand to score from close range.

United were dominating but again found themselves lucky not to concede as Brad Inman's low shot hit the inside of the post and rolled along the face of goal just before the break.

Clough's men were able to turn the screw after the restart and Crewe had keeper Ben Garratt to thank for keeping their deficit at one.

First he palmed away Chris Basham's testing long-range effort and then superbly tipped Stefan Scougall's header around the post.

Garratt's resistance was eventually broken 13 minutes from time when Flynn raced clear from and slotted home to send his side through.