The Sheffield United manager, Danny Wilson, paid Salisbury City the respect of picking a full-strength side, and was rewarded by seeing the Blades secure a relatively straightforward passage into the fourth round. City, the lowest-ranked side remaining in the Cup, fought hard, but rarely threatened to upset the League One promotion challengers.
Salisbury's initial formation, which featured a five-man midfield including the 34-year-old player-manager, Darrell Clarke, with Brian Dutton just in front of the back four and striker Jake Reid isolated up front, appeared to suggest the Wiltshire side's ambition did not stretch much beyond securing a replay.
Unfortunately for the non-leaguers, their tactics gave United time to settle into their usual game, and Johnny Ertl had already drawn a clawing save from the Salisbury goalkeeper, Mark Scott, when the Blades took the lead. The goal was straightforward in construction, Lee Williamson picking out an unmarked Chris Porter with a diagonal pass, and the striker sliding the ball under Scott.
The former Derby striker almost got a second with a header from Ryan Flynn's cross five minutes later, Scott making a one-handed save above his head, and at half-time United's only concern must have been their failure to take any of several chances to give themselves the cushion of a second. Ched Evans hit a free-kick into the side-netting, and Kevin McDonald shot over from no more than six yards.
Clarke's side was more positive after the break, Marvin Williams, Clarke and Dan Flitchett getting forward in support of Reid, and their supporters responded, but United got the second on the hour when, after Williamson's shot was blocked by Scott, McDonald's attempt to turn in the rebound was deflected over the line by Ched Evans.
Danny Webb deflected Evans's driven cross into his own goal for the third, but City got a consolation of sorts when substitute Lloyd Macklin drove in a low shot from the edge of the penalty area.
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