Sheffield United beaten 3-2 by Tottenham as Blades boss Jonathan Morgan returns to dugout for first time since Maddy Cusack's family lodged a complaint against him following her tragic death

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Sheffield United fell to a late 3-2 defeat by Tottenham as manager Jonathan Morgan returned to the dug-out for the first time in four months.

Morgan had not taken charge of a game since September 17 after a complaint against him was lodged by the family of Maddy Cusack, who died at her home in Horsley on September 20. Her death was not treated as suspicious by police. A report by the Athletic said that Cusack’s family believe their daughter took her own life for reasons connected to the appointment of Morgan in February 2023.

Morgan strenuously denies any wrong-doing and a third-party investigation, conducted on behalf of the Blades, cleared him to return to work in December.

The Football Association is reviewing the details of the investigation.

Sunday’s fourth-round FA Cup tie was Morgan’s first game in four months and his team nearly recorded a memorable victory against higher-ranked opposition.

Rosella Ayane celebrates following her dramatic late winner for Tottenham Women

Sheffield United manager Jonathan Morgan was back in the dugout for the first time in four months

Bethany England scored a brace as Tottenham Women drew 2-2 against Sheffield United

Tottenham were trailing 2-0 but England netted twice, including a penalty, to pull her side level

The Blades led 2-0 after goals from Sophie Haywood and Jessica Sigsworth either side of half-time but two goals from Bethany England and a 96th minute winner from Rosella Ayane saw Spurs progress.

Morgan watched the entire warm-up and gave high fives to every player as they left the pitch. He was then greeted with a handshake from Tottenham manager Robert Vilahamn and assistant coach Vicky Jepson before kick-off.

Tottenham fans had organised a minute of applause to take place in honour of Cusack while some supporters held a banner which read: ‘There’s only one Maddy Cusack’. The applause took place in the eighth minute, in line with the shirt number Cusack wore, and was observed by fans and the coaching staff from both teams, including Morgan.

It was not long after that when the Blades took the lead. Spurs only partially cleared a free-kick and the ball was headed back across goal, with Haywood volleying in from close range. The Sheffield United bench erupted and embraced Morgan, while Haywood went over to hug her manager after celebrating with her team-mates.

The Blades were first to every ball and deservedly doubled their lead shortly after half-time. A moment of brilliance saw Ashley Hodson nut-meg her marker before sending a curling shot against the bar, which fell kindly for Jess Sigsworth to head home from close range. Once again, the Sheffield United bench celebrated emphatically, with both Hodson and Sigsworth running over to hug Morgan. While the celebrations were taking place, a lone Tottenham supporter was heard shouting at the Sheffield United bench ‘how f****** dare you, you’re scum’.

Spurs finally started to grow into the game and pulled a goal back with just over 20 minutes to go. Angharad James sent England through on goal and the striker converted from close range.

The hosts levelled from the penalty spot with 10 minutes to go when Jessica Naz was brought down in the box by Tara Bourne. England stepped up to convert into the bottom right corner.

The Blades withstood a barrage of Spurs attacks but finally conceded in the last seconds. A long ball from Olga Ahtinen sent Rosella Ayane through on goal and her chipped shot sailed over goalkeeper Fran Stenson.

Sheffield United’s players were crestfallen at full-time as Morgan gave a post-match team-talk in a huddle.

The Blades did not conduct any post-match media. While this is a requirement in the Women’s Super League, it is not in the regulations for the FA Cup.

Jess Sigsworth is jubilant after putting Sheffield United 2-0 up against Tottenham

Sophie Haywood celebrates after putting Sheffield United in front against Tottenham

Tottenham’s Celin Bizet Ildhusoy looks to play a pass during the FA Cup fourth round clash

Tara Bourne of Sheffiled United slides in to take the ball away from Ashleigh Neville

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