Rhys Norrington-Davies’ own goal sends Fleetwood into Carabao Cup last 16

Rhys Norrington-Davies’ own goal settled things (Nick Potts/PA)
Rhys Norrington-Davies’ own goal settled things (Nick Potts/PA)
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A 57th-minute Rhys Norrington-Davies own goal sent Fleetwood into the last 16 of the Carabao Cup for the first time as the League Two outfit stunned Championship Sheffield United 1-0 at Highbury.

Matt Lawlor’s side, unbeaten now in nine games in all competitions, had another Danny Andrew effort ruled out for offside and twice hit the woodwork in a dominant second-half display.

And it was left-back Andrew’s searching left-wing cross that Norrington-Davies nodded beyond keeper Michael Cooper to give the fourth-tier outfit a historic victory.

Tom Cannon did get the ball in the net for Chris Wilder’s visitors who lined up with only four starting survivors from last Friday’s 1-0 league defeat by Wolves.

But a flag for offside was raised before the striker slid the ball into the net.

United started positively and Ollie Arblaster had a goalbound effort blocked after only 36 seconds.

But Mark Helm forced Blades goalkeeper Cooper into a seventh-minute save before former United star Ched Evans put his follow up header narrowly wide.

Jay Lynch denied Joe Rothwell as the visitors attacked again but Cooper was the busier, saving from Lewis McCann and Crispin McLean.

Helm’s dipping right-foot effort from 18 yards grazed the top netting as Fleetwood finished the first half in the ascendancy.

And they deserved their break from Norrington-Davies’ own goal.

United finally came to life in the last 10 minutes with Lynch brilliantly denied Sydie Peck and Ben Brereton Diaz while Cannon saw a goalbound strike superbly blocked.

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