TEARFUL Mamady Sidibe shouldered responsibility for Gillingham’s failure to beat FA Cup semi-finalists Sheffield United in last night’s 2-2 draw at Bramall Lane.

The 6ft 4in striker, who left in the early hours of this morning to play for Mali in their African Nations Cup qualifier against Eritrea, was inconsolable at the end of the game after missing six golden chances.

Player-manager Andy Hessenthaler disclosed later that Sidibe had been reduced to tears as Gills came within nine minutes of victory to make amends for Saturday’s 6-0 drubbing by Wolves.

Time and again Sidibe blasted high or wide as United stretched their unbeaten sequence to seven games.

Hessenthaler said: “We’re disappointed not to have won, though after Saturday’s events we would have taken a point before kick-off.

"I’ve got a very upset Mamady Sidibe back in the dressing room and he’s tearful. That's how it’s affected the boy. He’s been a handful for their defence all night but not scored. It just wasn’t his night."