Walker is pleased Blades cut through potential banana skin

Sheffield United 2 AFC Fylde 1

Jack Rodwell

Chris Wilder praised Sheffield United's attitude after his team learned from the mistakes of a year ago to progress to the FA Cup fourth round.

A much-changed Blades side overcame AFC Fylde 2-1 yesterday. Wilder, who made 11 changes, saw his team go out of the competition at this stage last season as National League Barnet caused an upset at Bramall Lane. The Blades hosted opposition from the same division again but this time avoided a giant-killing thanks to Callum Robinson's early goal and a Leon Clarke strike on the hour.

However, the lowest-ranked team remaining in the competition made the Premier League club sweat by setting up a tense finale when Jordan Williams pulled a goal back with 12 minutes left.

"These games are so awkward, especially when you make as many changes as we did," said Wilder. "But it was all about attitude and I thought the attitude of the players was great. I thought we were comfortable but they made it difficult for us.

"I feel relieved after what happened last year. That was a real low point, we didn't deserve to go through last year. We did today."

New signing Jack Rodwell made his debut as part of a three-man defence and Wilder said: "Rodwell played well in a difficult position. Jack plays central midfield and we wanted to have a look at him playing there (central defence). We need to get him up to speed."