WHAT a performance by Wrexham over two games against a team sitting second in the Championship.

The FA Cup adventure came to an end as Phil Parkinson's side lost 3-1 against Sheffield United in the FA Cup fourth round replay at Bramall Lane.

Many might have thought Wrexham's best chance of progressing in the competition had gone after leading 3-2 in the first game at The Racecourse, with the Blades scoring an injury time leveller to deny the Reds another cup upset.

But think again.

It was a huge, brilliant first half effort by Wrexham who were on the back-foot, with United dominating possession and creating some good chances, but it remained goalless at the break.

Wrexham held their own and although United took the lead early in the second period, Paul Mullin equalised from the penalty spot.

There was then a chance for the Reds to go ahead but Mullin's second spot-kick was saved, and with the game heading for extra-time, United scored two goals in stoppage time to secure a fifth round home tie against Tottenham Hotspur.

They might be out but Wrexham can be proud of their efforts in the cup and the Reds, second in the National League, can now focus on the title challenge.

With the fixtures coming thick and fast, Parkinson said he would freshen the team up for the second meeting against the Blades and the Wrexham manager was true to his word.

Parkinson made seven changes from the side that started Saturday's 2-1 league win at Altrincham.

Rob Lainton, Anthony Forde, Harry Lennon, Jacob Mendy, James Jones, Andy Cannon and Sam Dalby came into the team in place of Mark Howard, Reece Hall-Johnson, Eoghan O'Connell, Callum McFadzean, Tom O'Connor, Elliot Lee and Ollie Palmer.

Just Max Cleworth, Ben Tozer, Luke Young and Mullin kept their places from the weekend victory.

The Blades started the stronger out of the two sides and had plenty of possession without threatening a goal.

Wrexham were dealing with the pressure they were being put under with centre-back John Egan, who scored the late equaliser, to earn a draw a week last Sunday, seeing a header comfortably saved by Lainton.

The Reds' goalkeeper also dealt with Billy Sharp's volley while James McAtee fired wide for the home side who remained on top with Wrexham kept on the defensive.

A couple more shots from outside the area by the Blades failed to hit the target while Wrexham had their first chance in the 28th minute when the lively Mullin did well to take the ball down and his effort was deflected wide.

However, the Blades broke from the resulting corner and when Mendy missed the ball on the halfway line, McAtee raced clear and put his shot wide with only Lainton to beat when he had a team-mate in support.

It was a huge let-off for Wrexham who were then indebted to Lainton for preventing United from taking the lead when the Reds' goalkeeper made a brilliant save from point blank range to deny Anel Ahmedhodzic who was teed up in the area by Iliman Ndiaye.

Tozer's drive from outside the area was saved by keeper Adam Davies at the other end after a throw-in came back to the centre-half, and Wrexham got to half-time still on level terms.

However, United took the lead five minutes into the second period.

A good move finished with Ahmedhodzic playing a one-two with Ben Osborn before firing past Lainton.

It was almost 2-0 but Lainton pulled off an excellent save to prevent Sharp from finding the back of the net following a slick move.

That proved to be a vital block as Wrexham equalised in the 59th minute.

Mullin was pulled back in the area by a defender and the Reds' leading scorer smashed home the resulting penalty for his 29th goal of the campaign.

Buoyed by the goal, Wrexham enjoyed a good spell although Sharp headed over for the Blades.

But Wrexham had an opportunity to take the lead when they were awarded another penalty after Mullin was brought down in the area by Oliver Norwood.

However, the striker's second spot-kick of the night was saved by Davies.

Lainton made another important stop to thwart United and Sharp also cleared the bar before the frontman had a goal ruled out for offside as the Blades made a strong finish.

Wrexham were being put under pressure and United scored the winner in stoppage time.

The Blades again broke forward and Sharp slid the ball past Lainton.

There was time for another goal as Sander Berge fired home and Wrexham bowed out but with the heads held high.

Sheffield United (5-3-2): Davies; Robinson, Ahmedhodzic (Lowe 77), Egan, Basham, Osborn; Berge, McAtee (Brooks 90), Coulibaly (Norwood 68); Sharp, Ndiaye. Subs not used: Foderingham, Clark, Arblaster, Brooks, Marsh, Starbuck.

Wrexham (5-3-2): Lainton; Forde, Cleworth, Tozer, Lennon (O'Connor 74), Mendy (McAlinden 60); Jones, Young, Cannon (Lee 82); Mullin (Bickerstaff 82), Dalby (Palmer 60). Subs not used: Watson, James, Butler, Hosannah.

Attendance: 20,310.