The FA Cup Third Round
Saturday 8 January 2005



Non-League minnows Exeter proved that the romance of The FA Cup is far from dead after earning a replay against holders Manchester United.

And on a day of Third Round surprises, Oldham dumped Manchester City out with a shock win at Boundary Park, while Sheffield United, Sunderland and West Ham also sent Premiership opposition packing.

Exeter secured a 0-0 draw at Old Trafford with a valiant display against a United team including the likes of Paul Scholes, Alan Smith and Cristiano Ronaldo. 18-year-old goalkeeper Paul Jones was one of a number of heroes for the Conference side, who at times even threatened an unthinkable win.

Only a few miles away, League One strugglers Oldham beat Kevin Keegan's City by a single Scott Vernon goal - his sixth in nine starts this season.

But the Latics were also indebted to an inspired display from goalkeeper Les Pogliacomi who kept the Premiership side at bay with a string of fine saves.

Sheffield United beat 2000 finalists Aston Villa in a controversial encounter at Brammall Lane. Andy Liddell scored twice in the last eight minutes to secure a 3-1 win despite appeals from the visitors that he was offside in the build-up to his first.

West Ham's Marlon Harewood sent Norwich crashing out after he netted the only goal at Upton Park late on. And a Marcus Stewart penalty sealed a 2-1 win for Sunderland against Crystal Palace.

Premiership leaders Chelsea are through to the Fourth Round - but not without a scare. Paul Hayes put League Two side Scunthorpe ahead at Stamford Bridge after only eight minutes as the Blues struggled in the early stages of the game.

The visitors later had chances to extend the lead but Mateja Kezman volleyed Chelsea level from 15 yards. An own goal by Andy Crosby put Chelsea ahead, and Eidur Gudjohnsen sealed victory four minutes from time.

Spurs were also made to sweat by Championship strugglers Brighton. Ledley King gave the eight-times Cup winners the lead, but Richard Carpenter equalised with a curling free kick. Ireland international Robbie Keane struck a brilliant volley to win it for Spurs with eight minutes left.

Middlesbrough went behind to the fastest goal of the day at Meadow Lane against Notts County. But efforts by Doriva and Joseph-Desire Job meant it was Boro who progressed.

League Two Yeovil continued their proud giant-killing tradition with a convincing 3-0 win at Championship strugglers Rotherham.

Last season's beaten finalists Millwall fell at the first hurdle to Wolves at Molineux. The 2-0 win was former England Head Coach Glenn Hoddle's first in charge of the Midlands club.

Former England captain Bryan Robson secured his first win in charge of West Brom, too, as the Baggies won 2-0 at Preston thanks to Robert Earnshaw's double.

Elsewhere, there were convincing wins for Birmingham, Bolton, Charlton, Everton and Southampton. But Blackburn were held at Cardiff, and Fulham could only draw at Watford.