Audio By Carbonatix
QPR's dismal run in the FA Cup continued as they were beaten at home by League One side Sheffield United.
It means the Premier League side have now won only two FA Cup matches in the last 14 seasons and have suffered 46 third-round losses out of 70 ties.
Blades top scorer Marc McNulty scored the opener when he finished off a swift counter-attack from close range.
Jamal Campbell-Ryce then twice capitalised on QPR defensive errors to complete a memorable win in London.
QPR's best effort of the match fell to substitute Bobby Zamora, whose header from 10 yards flashed wide of Mark Howard's right-hand post.
The United keeper was also forced to make a good early save to prevent Leroy Fer's fierce near-post strike from bursting the roof of the net, while the Dutch midfielder also had a header cleared off the line in the second half.
Harry Redknapp did make seven changes to the QPR starting line-up, but it still contained top goalscorer Charlie Austin, Fer and a central defensive pairing of Steven Caulker and Rio Ferdinand.
Where they lost the battle was in midfield, where they could not cope with the pace of Campbell-Ryce on the wing or match the industry shown by Louis Reed and Michael Doyle.
It was Reed who set up the first goal when he charged forward and fed a carefully-weighted pass to McNulty, who beat onrushing goalkeeper Alex McCarthy.
United, who beat West Ham and Southampton en route to the Capital One Cup last four this season, then added a second soon after the restart.
This time it came from Reed's corner, which was inadvertently pushed into the path of Campbell-Ryce, who had a simple finish.
Aside from the headers from Fer and Zamora, QPR created little else to trouble the Blades backline. And it was the Blades, through the effervescent Campbell-Ryce, who had the final say when he pounced on a poor defensive header from Fer before slotting in.
Manager Nigel Clough will no doubt be hoping this latest cup shock win will kickstart the Blades' season in League One, where they are winless in six matches.
Sheffield United first-team coach Chris Morgan, referring to their achievement in also reaching the League Cup semi-finals:
"Everybody in the semi-final draw would have wanted to play us.
"The Premier League clubs would want to avoid each other, it's just the nature of the beast.
"But I don't think people will take us lightly, because of the results we've had. In the last calendar year we've beaten five Premier League clubs."
On the win, he added:
"We were confident but when you come away to Premier League sides you've got to work hard and get the blocks in like we did.
"We know we can come and compete with top teams. It's great to have a run in the cup - great for supporters and for the revenue of the club."
QPR manager Harry Redknapp:
"They looked sharper than us all over the pitch.
"They were brighter and better than us and looked like a team that had 10 days without playing a game - we were playing our fourth and looked lethargic. We looked sluggish today.
"They thoroughly deserved their win. They played well and you've got to give them the credit."
Latest Stories
-
Fans defy rain to watch UEFA Champions League final at Hitz FM Rep Ur Jersey
7 minutes -
Bijou Homes showcases affordable living at 2026 Open House Fair
15 minutes -
Barker-Vormawor challenges legitimacy of Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill approval
25 minutes -
African Games audit findings are too serious to ignore; officials must answer – NITA Boss
36 minutes -
An open letter to the President of the Republic of Ghana
38 minutes -
Fans flood Aviation Social Centre for Hitz FM’s Rep Ur Jersey ahead of Champions League final
51 minutes -
Kojo Antwi and Meiway set London ablaze with historic live concert at Dominion Centre
2 hours -
Arrive three hours before flight home, airline boss tells UK holidaymakers
2 hours -
US, UK and Australia to develop underwater drone technology
2 hours -
Prisons Service launches investigation after inmate linked to murder of Abamba Queen Mother
2 hours -
Akatsi Police launch full investigation into shooting, arson incident in Deti
2 hours -
Government commissions shelter for domestic violence survivors
2 hours -
Xenophobia: “I am very free now” – Ghanaian evacuee recounts 18-year stay, robbery ordeal
3 hours -
Excessive Bail Conditions in Ghana: A threat to the presumption of innocence and the right to liberty guaranteed under the 1992 constitution
3 hours -
Petrol, LPG prices set to go up, but diesel to decline from June 1
4 hours