Sheffield United beat Reading to reach the FA Cup quarter-finals

The Sheffield United centre-forward has produced some scintillating performances, seduced his manager with the intelligence of his play and, before injury struck two months ago, regularly bemused Premier League defences.

McGoldrick’s only problem was, whenever a chance presented itself, he always failed to convert. Until this FA Cup tie at Reading that was, when his early goal laid the foundations for a win which saw Chris Wilder’s side reach the quarter-finals thanks to Billy Sharp’s header in extra-time.

George Puscas, once of Internazionale, had earlier drawn the hosts level with a 43rd minute penalty.

Only two minutes had passed when McGoldrick claimed his first United goal since April, when a memorable brace against Hull City effectively sealed promotion from the Championship.

Mark Bowen’s men made the visitors work - with Dean Henderson punching clear from Yakou Meite - but there was no suggestion an equaliser was coming before Puscas restored parity from the spot.

The Romanian striker, who was plying his trade with Palermo until the Sicilians were demoted two divisions for breaching Italy’s financial laws, produced a clinical finish from 12 yards out. But George Baldock, who was adjudged to have pushed Andy Rinomhota by referee Kevin Friend, could count himself desperately unfortunate to have been punished.

United had been comfortable, perhaps even a shade too comfortable, before Puscas intervened, although it would be a mistake to suggest complacency had crept into their ranks.

Tenacious and purposeful, Reading continued to chase, hustle and press before the double act between Osborn and McGoldrick nearly worked its magic once again. On this occasion, however, the latter’s effort following another excellent centre flew just over the crossbar.

As the final whistle beckoned, so Reading’s belief grew. But Sharp nipped it in the bud - and sealed United’s progress - when he pounced towards the end of the first period of extra time.

Luke Freeman, burrowing his way into position on the edge of the box, provided the assist.

Reading: Cabral, Morrison, Miazaga, Rinomhota, Swift, Obita, Ejaria (Gomes 100), Yiadom, Meite (McLeary 105), Olise (Masika 100), Puscas. Not used: Walker, Moore, Baldock, Blackett.

Sheffield United: Henderson, Basham, Egan, O’Connell, Osborne, G Baldock, Berge (Robinson 100), Lundstram, L Freeman (Retsos 105), McGoldrick (Sharp 79), Mousset (McBurnie 60). Not used: Verrips, Jagielka, Zivkovic.

Referee: Kevin Friend (Leicestershire).

Attendance: 15,129.