WORCESTER City saw their FA Cup dreams ended for another season after Sheffield United showed their class and ran out 3-0 victors at Bramall Lane today.

A Jose Baxter first-half penalty looked to be the game’s only goal before Conor Sammon and Kieron Freeman secured the victory late on, just as City hoped for an unlikely replay.

Despite being underdogs, it was the Blues and Whites who had the better of the early exchanges and had the first chance when Ashley Vincent saw his shot palmed over.

It took the hosts 15 minutes to have their first attempt on goal but Baxter sent his shot harmlessly wide.

However, that was just a warning sign and the Blades did take the lead in the 18th minute when Che Adams ran through on goal before being brought down by Sam Minihan with Baxter firing home the resulting penalty.

They could have doubled their lead moments later when Jamal Campbell-Ryce used his pace to beat his man but saw his shot tipped over the bar.

Adams was also causing City problems and went close again in the 29th minute but saw his shot bounce off the turf over the bar.

Just as City looked at getting a hold back in the match they were almost punished again when they were caught cold in the middle of the pitch allowing the hosts to break but Salmon failed to convert the chance.

Worcester were feeding off scraps and former Sheffield Wednesday forward Deon Burton’s saved long-range effort was one of few first-half openings.

As in the first half, City picked their moments to attack and Burton nearly shocked Bramall Lane but sent his effort over.

United kept probing for the winner and would have had it but for the acrobatics of Nathan Vaughan, who scrambled across to save a fierce Freeman shot.

The hosts had their head in their hands again in the 62nd minute when substitute Steffan Scougall crossed to Baxter, who looked certain to score but put his shot wide.

This rejuvenated Worcester and moments later they had a gilt-edged chance when Daniel Nti's cross missed both Burton and Vincent inches from goal.

United went within an inch of getting their much desired second goal in the 72nd minute when Robert Harris hit the bar with his free-kick before seconds later Baxter shot wide in front of goal.

Vaughan was again City’s saviour when a Pau Coutts close-range effort was fired goalbound but saved by the goalkeeper.

With nine minutes remaining, the Blades got their deserved second goal when Campbell-Ryce got to the byline before finding Sammon, who tapped home from close range.

With Worcester beaten, the Blades slotted home a third goal when Freeman played a one-two with Scougal before scrambling home the ball.