Gillingham 0-4 Sheffield United: William Osula and James McAtee hit doubles as Blades progress
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Premier League side Sheffield United beat League Two Gillingham thanks to doubles from William Osula and James McAtee as they progressed to the FA Cup fourth round.
Gillingham made a positive start to proceedings with Conor Masterson having a shot blocked after skipping past a defender in the box.
However, with 14 minutes played, the away side took control. Osula burst into the box, driving at the Gillingham defence before firing through the legs of goalkeeper Jake Turner for his first senior goal for the club.
Osula was on target again when he reacted quickest after Turner had parried Cameron Archer's shot back into a dangerous area.
Gillingham captain Max Ehmer's header looked destined for goal late on after beating Wes Foderingham but it came crashing back off the post to frustrate the home support.
Minutes later, McAtee increased the lead for the Blades as he capitalised on a mix-up at the back to fire home from close range.
McAtee's swerving effort from the corner of the box rounded off the victory three minutes from time as it turned into a comprehensive win for Chris Wilder's side.
The draw for the fourth round will take place at 19:50 GMT on Monday, 8 January, before Wigan Athletic take on Manchester United.
Dominant Blades seal well-earned victory
Despite being bottom of the Premier League, Sheffield United recorded a comprehensive victory against lower league Gillingham.
It was the first FA Cup meeting between the two sides and Osula's double before half-time set the away side on the way to a deserved win.
The 20-year-old Dane looked sharp throughout and would have been disappointed not to score a hat-trick when the ball deflected into his path from Archer's shot, but he miscontrolled and sent his effort sailing over the bar.
He was withdrawn after 72 minutes having surely impressed his manager with his attacking instincts in front of goal.
The result was secure before the break but McAtee's late strikes made sure of the victory at a time when the home side looked to be putting pressure on.
McAtee and Archer fired over the bar before the former found the target twice in four minutes to seal a resounding triumph which will be a much-needed boost as the Blades look to remain in the top tier of English football.