The FA Cup's reputation as the greatest club cup competition in the world has largely been fuelled by the enduring spirit of the underdog. Yesterday, at Old Trafford little, bottom of the Premiership Barnsley, while not pulling off another giant-killing act to add to the cup's well-stocked record books, did come up with a performance to match many in the heroic tradition of this tournament.
In October, Barnsley were famously trounced 7-0 by Manchester United but yesterday, on the back of a recent run of only two defeats in their previous nine games, they battled and passed their way to within a turned-down penalty kick of victory.
Despite missing Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt through suspension, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer with a virus and Andy Cole with injury, the Premiership leaders pummelled away at David Watson's goal with an intensity that seemed certain to bring a winner.
But for United, a draw was almost worse than defeat. The last thing they need at this stage of the season is a replay clogging up an already crowded fixture list.
If United really do still entertain hopes of a unique treble then they must cope with Wednesday and weekend games for the next five weeks, including league matches at Aston Villa on Wednesday and at home to Derby next Saturday, this cup replay the following Wednesday, a league visit to Chelsea the next Saturday then the small matter of a Champions League quarter-final visit to Monaco four days later.
United's recent record of just four points out of 15 in the league must have increased the visitors' hopes of gaining sweet revenge for their October humiliation.
And early on that optimism was well-founded, as Barnsley pressed and harried United on the ball with a demonic enthusiasm and provided more of a threat in the opening 20 minutes.
But the champions, despite an odd midfield threesome of Phil Neville, Ronny Johnsen and Brian McClair playing in a 4-3-3 formation, slowly found some attacking rhythm. Adrian Moses' timely tackle denied Johnsen on 23 minutes and on 27 McClair should have scored after being set up by Ryan Giggs, but somehow he managed to hit the post. Another typical Giggs back-heel set up Johnsen again but Watson saved well. And then the inexplicable happened.
Gary Pallister played an innocuous pass back to Schmeichel and the normally impeccable 'keeper, under absolutely no pressure, sliced his clearance straight into the path of John Hendrie who calmly put the underdogs ahead.
However, the lead lasted just four minutes as the move of the game saw United finally find the net. A Giggs chest-down took the ball past Matt Appleby, and another flick inside fed Teddy Sheringham who, running through at pace, slotted the ball precisely past Watson.
David Beckham, who started the game on the bench, came on at half-time and immediately United resumed their quest for their own winning goal. Giggs should have scored with a free header just 50 seconds after the re-start, fine defending by Ales Krizan denied Sheringham, and Watson saved at Giggs's feet.
United were desperate now for a win, even pushing Gary Pallister up front. Watson saved again, this time from Beckham and moments later Michael Clegg headed just wide. Barnsely, however, still posed problems on the break. Schmeichel saved well from Jovo Bosancic and Hendrie. Seven minutes from time came the penalty incident. Just as the substitute Andy Liddell, deep in the area, was about to shoot, Gary Neville dived in with a tackle which looked a certain penalty. But referee Mike Riley said no; television replays said yes.
"It was a blatant penalty," fumed Barnsley mnager Danny Wilson afterwards.
Manchester United: Schmeichel, Clegg, Irwin, Johnsen (Beckham 46), Pallister, Sheringham, Giggs, P. Neville, McClair (G. Neville 78), Berg, Nevland (Cruyff 57). Subs Not Used: Van Der Gouw, Casper. Goals: Sheringham 42.
Barnsley: Watson, Eaden, Moses, De Zeeuw (Appleby 25), Hendrie (Liddell 80), Redfearn, Bullock, Bosancic, Krizan, Ward, Morgan. Subs Not Used: Marcelle, Leese, Tinkler. Booked: Ward, Bosancic. Goals: Hendrie 39.
Referee: M A Riley (Leeds).
