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Derby and Fulham survive FA Cup scares
| Written by: AFP |
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| 2008-01-06 17:33:29 | ![]() |
LONDON (AFP) - Premier League strugglers Fulham and Derby both did just enough to keep their FA Cup campaigns alive on Sunday and avoid joining the four top-flight teams already knocked out of the tournament by lower league opposition.
Fulham, second-bottom in the Premier League, twice had to come from behind at home to Bristol Rovers - 44 places below them - in a 2-2 draw. Meanwhile, Premier League basement side Derby, who had been 2-0 down, also face a third round replay after a 2-2 home draw with Sheffield Wednesday. Premier League leaders Arsenal had a straightforward passage into the fourth round with a 2-0 win away to Championship side Burnley, who played the final half-an-hour with 10 men. Rovers were ahead in the third minute when Danny Coles's strike gave the visitors the lead at Craven Cottage. But Fulham were level five minutes before half-time when Northern Ireland international striker David Healy headed in from close range. The Cottagers looked to be imposing themselves on the match when Rovers regained the lead in the 65th minute, Craig Hinton heading in Chris Lines's free-kick. However, minutes later former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy made it 2-2 with a 20-yard half-volley. Home advantage also counted for little in the early stages at Pride Park. Wednesday, a point above the Championship drop zone, were 2-0 up with just 23 minutes played, after yet more error-strewn Derby play, only for the Rams to draw level before half-time. There seemed no danger when Mark Beevers, an 18-year-old centre-back, struck a shot from 20 yards straight at Derby goalkeeper Lewis Price. But the Wales international somehow spilled the ball over his line. And Wednesday then went 2-0 ahead thanks to another Derby mistake. Central defender Darren Moore allowed Tudgay a free shot at goal and the forward shot home. Derby though hit back with goals from Kenny Miller and Giles Barnes. Miller reduced the deficit in the 38th minute with a strike from 12 yards before 19-year-old Barnes made Wednesday pay on the stroke of half-time for failing to clear the ball. Newcastle will look to ease the growing pressure on manager Sam Allardyce after a run of three straight defeats when they travel to Championship high-flyers Stoke City later on Sunday in a tie that has the makings of an upset. Luton, whose financial problems have seen the club go into administration, will look to give their long-suffering fans something to cheer against Premier League giants Liverpool Rafael Benitez's side are 12 points behind Arsenal in the Premier League and are already out of the League Cup so the FA Cup would now appear to represent their best chance of domestic silverware this season. Premier League sides Everton, Birmingham City, Blackburn and Bolton were all knocked out of the FA Cup by lower league opponents during Saturday's third round ties. Third tier Oldham's 1-0 win away to Everton, sixth in the top flight, was the most notable upset. But holders Chelsea and 11-times FA Cup winners Manchester United both made it through to Monday's fourth round draw. |
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