Sheffield United's Billy Sharp (left) jumps for the ball against Middlesbrough's David Wheater during their English FA Cup fifth round soccer match at Bramall Lane Stadium, Sheffield, England, yesterday. The match ended 0-0. - AP

LONDON (AP):

Portsmouth needed an injury-time own-goal to beat stubborn Preston 1-0 yesterday and reach the quarter-finals of the FA Cup, and Middlesbrough was held to a 0-0 draw.

Portsmouth scored when Preston midfielder Darren Carter kicked the ball into his own net during a scramble in the box after a corner kick from Niko Kranjcar.

Portsmouth last reached the quarter-finals in 1992 when it eventually lost to Liverpool in the semi-finals. It won the trophy in 1939.

"I thought we'd be lucky to get an opportunity to have another game but the cup's about winning and however you do it, last minute, that's what counts," said Portsmouth goalkeeper David James, who saved a penalty kick.

Middlesbrough were held 0-0 by Sheffield United and that match will be replayed at a date to be decided. Manchester United, Chelsea, Bristol Rovers, Barnsley, Cardiff and West Bromwich Albion are already in the quarter-finals.

The draw is set for today.

Preston were frustrated by the 37-year-old James, who was England's goalkeeper in its 2-1 friendly win over Switzerland on February 6.

Penalty

James dived to his right to save a penalty kick from Simon Whaley in the 59th minute. The penalty was given after Portsmouth defender Sylvain Distin fouled Billy Jones.

James also dived to keep out a shot from Neil Mellor in the 74th.

Preston are 21st in the League Championship compared to Portmouth's eighth place in the Premier League.

One of the founding members of the Football League in 1888, Preston have won the FA Cup twice, the last time in 1938, and were runners-up five times. They also reached the fifth round in 2000. Middlesbrough missed a chance to win their game in injury time when Emanuel Pogatetz had a header blocked.

Sheffield United, who are 16th in the League Championship, had the better chances. Matt Kilgallon forced Middlesbrough goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer into a save in the fifth minute, Jon Stead narrowly headed wide in the 27th and James Beattie hit the post with a free kick near the end of the first half.

Stephen Quinn sent a shot just over the bar for the Blades in the 74th.

Best efforts

Middlesbrough's best efforts were in the second half when they forced Sheffield United goalkeeper Patrick Kenny into two saves within a minute. Kenny stopped Mido's overhead kick in the 58th and David Wheater's header from the subsequent corner.

Stewart Downing was then close for Boro with a volley and Fabio Rochemback also sent a shot wide.

Sheffield United were playing under manager Kevin Blackwell for the first time. He was named manager for the rest of the season after Bryan Robson quit Thursday.

"Without a doubt I feel we can win the replay - I believe we can win every game," Blackwell said.

The Blades are four-time winners of the FA Cup, the last in 1925. They were also runners-up twice, in 1901 and 1936, and reached the semi-finals in 2003, but lost to Arsenal.

Middlesbrough, 12th in the Premier League, have never won the FA Cup, but reached the 1997 final, losing to Chelsea 2-0. They also lost to Arsenal in the semi-finals in 2002.