QPR 2-3 Sheffield United
Super-sub Jamie Ward helped fire Sheffield United into the fourth round of the FA Cup as QPR made their familiar early exit despite a late rally.
The Blades were clinging onto Lee Williamson's early opener when Ward scored with his first touch and then immediately set up a third for Richard Cresswell.
A late Rangers comeback, courtesy of Akos Buzsaky's penalty and Damion Stewart's header, set up a nervy finish but the hosts were unable to arrest their dismal FA Cup record.
They have not won a single tie in the competition since 2001 - a run now stretching 13 games - so it was little surprise to see United join a list of teams including Luton, Grimsby and Vauxhall Motors in sending them spinning out at the first hurdle.
Chairman Flavio Briatore was back watching his team for the first time since his motor racing ban was lifted.
But they have now managed just one win in their last 10 games and were often booed by those who had bothered to turn up.
The empty seats all around the ground illustrated just how little this third-round replay had captured the imagination.
And for United, the prospect of a trip to Bolton in round four is unlikely to set the pulses racing.
Rangers went close through Mikele Leigertwood and Alejandro Faurlin in the first five minutes, but the Blades went ahead against the run of play.
Williamson gathered Nick Montgomery's curling cross on the angle of the Rangers penalty area and drilled a low shot across Radek Cerny.
Ched Evans should have doubled the lead when he raced through with only Cerny to beat, but the former Manchester City youngster's lob came back off the crossbar.
