Sheffield United's Michael Brown played down another wonder strike which helped Sheffield United beat Ipswich in a pulsating FA Cup tie.

Brown marked his 26th birthday with a brilliant 25-yard volley against an Ipswich side managed by Joe Royle, who sold the midfielder to the Blades when he was in charge at Manchester City.

"It's just another one of those goals again," said Brown, who scored a similarly spectacular goal against Sheffield Wednesday.

"I had to wait for the ball and just caught it sweet again."

Brown scored twice and Phil Jagielka also got on the scoresheet as United went three-up before Ipswich levelled matters with a triple goal burst in four minutes.

We should have had a blatant penalty in the first half Ipswich boss Joe Royle

But Paul Peschisolido grabbed a winner for the Blades to put them in the draw for the fifth round.

"The third goal didn't help us at all really," added Brown.

"We probably took our foot off a little bit once we got the third goal and they came straight back at us and scored three quick goals.

"Once the first one went in, I didn't think we really recovered."

Sheffield United manager Neil Warnock praised the spirit of his players.

He said: "I've just got to take my hat off to them. They just don't know when they're beaten."

Royle could not believe his team lost the game and was angered by referee Dermot Gallagher denying Marcus Bent a penalty after he went down following keeper Wilko de Vogt's lunge.

Royle said: "It was astonishing to say the least.

"I don't know how we've lost it. I'd have been doubly disappointed with a draw. The last thing we needed was a replay.

"But on chances missed, I just don't know how we've lost that one.

"They've scored four and our keeper hasn't had a save to make."

He added: "We should have had a blatant penalty in the first half, but Mr Gallagher has overseen our departure now from two cup competitions away from home."