Crewe Alexandra 0 : 0 Sheffield United - Blunt Blades held by Crewe

Last season's FA Cup semi-finalists Sheffield United struggled to make their dominance count as they were held to a 0-0 draw at League One rivals Crewe.

The bottom-of-the-table hosts defended with spirit as the Blades controlled the tie, but failed to convert their chances.

Ryan Flynn twice went close in the opening exchanges, with one of the winger's efforts cleared off the line by Alex skipper Adam Dugdale.

Blades winger Jose Baxter was guilty of spurning a gilt-edged chance in the second half, side-footing wide after being set up by Jamal Campbell-Ryce 12 yards out.

Jamie Murphy had the balll in the net when he drilled into the bottom corner, but Crewe were saved as he had already been flagged for offside.

Substitute Stefan Scougall's effort was saved by home goalkeeper Ben Garratt and Bob Harris also went close to breaking the stalemate.

Yet Crewe were dangerous on the break and Marcus Haber's deflected effort did not miss by much, while substitute James Jones forced Mark Howard into a smart near-post save.

United substitute Diego De Girolamo could have settled it as he was slipped clear on the left of the box, but dragged his finish past the far post.