FA Cup

FULL-TIME, MAN CITY 3-0 SHEFFIELD. A disappointing afternoon for Sheffield and their fans, who would have loved to make the net bulge a couple of times and to give City a bit of a scare, but the Blues were just too strong. City were powerful without being brilliant, and did more than enough to earn their ticket to the FA Cup final in May. So important for City that Mahrez scored a hat-trick, as it ensures that confidence and form is spread across the squad. For City the double is looking on, with the treble a very real possibility even though they face the Mighty Madrid in that semi. But enough of that… from a beautiful, sun-filled Wembley on a stunning spring afternoon we congratulate Sheffield on a great Cup run, wish City well for the final… and hope you enjoy the rest of your sporting weekend.

The ref raises the whistle to his lips… 

Palmer breaks away from a strong challenge in the box to push a cross in, but it beats the keeper as well as Alvarez, who came sliding in at the back post but was just too late.

GREAT FOOTWORK! Phil Foden slides through some Sheffield tackles and deflty feeds Alvarez… the City striker guiding the ball sweetly with his right foot, setting it up and he slaps a first-time shot on goal, but the curl of his boot guides it past the post. Great effort.

Sheffield's players are still pressing hard up at City, as the Blue gently pass the ball around the back and to Ortega.

We're entering the acceptance phase now for Sheffield's fans, who have enjoyed a great Cup run but would have hope for a lot more excitement in this semi-final. Next week should be better for them, because it they beat West Brom midweek they will win promotion to the Premier League, which will be massive for the club.

Basham pushes into the box, twists and turls past Laporte before the Sheffield man goes to ground, but the referee wave his hands from side to side. No penalty, but thanks for asking.

City still pressing, this time a curling cross to Alvarez is flicked towards goal, albeit missing the target by at least half a man.

City pour forward, Palmer running along the byline and cracking in a low cross under pressure from Egan, but a Sheffield defender slides in to block his effort.

SUBS: Lewis comes on in place of Silva for City, the youngster also being given the chance to taste the Wembley turf.