Watch the highlights from Sheffield United vs Brighton in the FA Cup fourth round below as Joao Pedro netted a hat-trick to send the Seagulls through to the fifth round.
WATCH: Sheffield United 2-5 Brighton Highlights
Sheffield United 2-5 Brighton Report: Pedro Hat-Trick Sends Seagulls Through
Both Sheffield United and Brighton came into this one fresh off the back of Premier League stalemates last weekend, with the Blades snatching a point late on against West Ham at home, while the Seagulls drew 0-0 against Wolves at the Amex.
Brighton started this one on the front foot, and it didn’t take long for them to make the most of it and open the scoring. A neat lay-off from Evan Ferguson saw Facundo Buonanotte skip his way past the hosts’ midfield, before unleashing a rocket into the top right-hand corner to give Roberto De Zerbi‘s side a 14th minute lead.
15 minutes later, that lead would be doubled with the Seagulls in cruise control of the tie. That one came from the boot of Joao Pedro, who turned home his side’s second of the afternoon from the penalty spot.
The Blades didn’t throw the towel in though, reducing the deficit through Gustavo Hamer in the 44th minute, followed by a leveller through William Osula eight minutes deep into injury time in the first period.
Looking refreshed as they returned from the changing rooms, Brighton started the second period in a similar vein to how they started the first. Just seven minutes into the half, they were awarded their second spot-kick of the afternoon – which Pedro coolly converted once again.
The Brazilian completed his hat-trick 15 minutes later, as he slotted home from the edge of the area after a nice pass from Jan Paul van Hecke to ensure the Seagulls’ advancement to the fifth round.
Second half substitute Danny Welbeck, clearly looking to get in on the goalscoring action, broke into Sheffield United’s penalty area from the right-hand side and powerfully struck beyond Ivo Grbic for his side’s fifth despite the stopper’s best efforts.
What Next For Sheffield United & Brighton?
Next up for struggling Sheffield United is a trip to the English capital on Tuesday night, where they’ll be hoping to secure a vital three points in their quest for survival against Roy Hodgson’s Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
As for the Seagulls, they also return to top flight action on Tuesday evening with a trip to Bedfordshire to take on relegation-battling Luton at Kenilworth Road. Brighton will find out who their fifth round opponents are on Sunday afternoon, with the draw due to take place ahead of Liverpool and Norwich‘s fourth round matchup at Anfield.
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