Despite being a man down, the home side dominated the first period of extra time, yet failed to create anything clear cut.

In a more even second period it was the Hammers who had the best chance to win the game and spare the angst of penalties, with Fletcher curling in a far-post cross from the right wing where an unmarked Hayden Mullins planted a free header narrowly over the bar.

But the two sides remained deadlocked, resulting in a shoot-out, with the Blades emerging victorious.

Gray, Harley and Liddell were all on target, with the latter firing home the decisive spot-kick, while Kenny produced two superb saves to deny Sheringham and Harewood for West Ham, who only had Mark Noble on target.