Mansfield Town Stun Sheffield United in Dramatic FA Cup Third Round Clash

Introduction: Giant-Killing Returns to Bramall Lane

The magic of the FA Cup was on full display on 11 January 2026, as League One club Mansfield earn a stunning 4-3 victory at the Championship’s Sheffield United in the FA Cup third round. This shock result demonstrates why the FA Cup remains one of football’s most unpredictable competitions, where lower-league teams can upset their higher-division rivals on any given day.

Reed’s Masterclass Against Former Club

Two goals from Louis Reed against his former club helped Mansfield to a shock 4-3 victory at Sheffield United. Reed brought the ball down and found the net with a superb strike to give Mansfield a 13th-minute lead, setting the tone for an extraordinary afternoon. Mansfield regained the lead a minute before the break when Reed scored again with another fine shot following a corner which beat Davies with the aid of a deflection.

Clinical Performance from the Stags

Lucas Akins and Rhys Oates also scored for the League One club while United’s goals came from Gus Hamer, Patrick Bamford and a Nathan Moriah-Welsh own goal. Mansfield Town produced a fearless display, scoring two thunderbolts via the boot of Louis Reed in the first half and two counter-attacking gems before the hour mark, racing into a commanding 4-1 lead before Sheffield United mounted a late comeback that ultimately fell short.

Wilder’s Disappointment

A frustrated Chris Wilder bemoaned the “shocking” goals his Sheffield United side gave away as they tumbled out of the FA Cup at the first hurdle at home to Mansfield Town. Meanwhile, Mansfield manager Nigel Clough praised the quality of the goals scored by his team in their 4-3 FA Cup victory at Sheffield United, with the former Sheffield United boss returning to haunt his old club.

Conclusion: Cup Magic Lives On

This result serves as a reminder that the FA Cup continues to provide opportunities for underdogs to shine. For Mansfield Town, this victory represents a significant achievement and progression to the fourth round. For Sheffield United, focusing on their Championship campaign becomes paramount, though this defeat will sting for some time. The match exemplifies why the FA Cup remains beloved by football fans across the nation.