Crewe Alexandra 0-0 Sheffield United

Last season's FA Cup semi-finalists Sheffield United were held to a goalless first round draw by League One rivals Crewe Alexandra.

Ryan Flynn went close for the Blades in the first half but his effort was cleared off the line by Adam Dugdale.

Jamie Murphy thought that he had put the visitors ahead after drilling home but he was judged to be offside.

Crewe then almost sealed their place in round two when substitute James Jones forced Mark Howard into a smart save.

The two sides were meeting at Gresty Road for the second time in a fortnight, following the Blades' 1-0 League One win on 25 October and they will now meet again at Bramall Lane for the replay next Tuesday night (18th November, 19.45 GMT).

Crewe boss Steve Davis told BBC Radio Stoke:

"They probably had a little bit more possession in front of us, but they didn't get in behind us too often. A lot of crosses into the box that we dealt with very well.

"It was just about containing them first half, then we played much better in the second half without any real penetration.

"The work rate was fantastic. That was the bottom line and I felt like we deserved to be in the hat for the second round because of that."

Blades boss Nigel Clough told BBC Radio Sheffield:

"The only thing that was missing was a goal. Once again, it was an excellent performance. Composed, controlled from start to finish.

"We restricted Crewe to one shot. Mark Howard had one shot in the whole game.

"It's not the lack of trying or going forward. We just need somebody with a bit of quality to put it in the back of the net for us."