ANOTHER action-packed weekend of FA Cup action, saw the stars of round one, repeat the process in the second round of competitive action. Eighteen ties went ahead, and league clubs found it difficult in the chilling sub-freezing temperatures.
Having defeated Gillingham in the first round, Dover Athletic were at it again against league opposition, this time overcoming league two side Aldershot Town 2-0. Adam Birchall, who scored in the first round win at the Priestfield Stadium and scored eight goals previous to Saturday, added another two to his starring collection. Dover will be disappointed however to get a trip to Huddersfield Town in round three, Huddersfield smashing Macclesfield Town 6-0, with six different goalscorers.
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| CREDITABLE: Nicky Platt has FC United on their way |
FC United of Manchester’s amazing adventure continued, as they worked incredibly hard to earn a very creditable 1-1 draw at runaway league one leaders Brighton. Nicky Platt, who netted in their sensational first round success against Rochdale, scored the opener for the visitors. They were eight minutes away from another scalp, before Brighton assistant manager and 37-year old veteran Mauricio Taricco rescued an equaliser for Gus Poyet’s side. Sam Ashton saved a last-minute penalty from Elliott Bennett to keep FC United in the tie. The winners of the replay, at Bury’s Gigg Lane next Wednesday will take on last year’s losing finalists Portsmouth next.
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| SCRAP: Stevenage got the better of AFC Wimbledon |
Goals from Josh Walker, who had just joined on loan from Watford and Yemi Odubade, were enough for Stevenage Borough to ease past Blue Square Premier League leaders AFC Wimbledon. Stevenage, who had knocked out Milton Keynes Dons on penalties in round one and denied the dream match-up between Wimbledon/Dons were very strong throughout and thoroughly deserved their success, despite Wimbledon’s bravery throughout.
Both Swindon Town and Leyton Orient scrapped to 1-1 draws away from home in televised games. Scott McGleish rescued a late equaliser for Orient against Droylsden, whilst Swindon was held by Crawley Town on Friday night. Andy Drury grabbed a double, including a stunning equaliser to grab a replay for Luton Town at in-form Charlton Athletic. Zamaretto Premier League side Swindon Supermarine, the lowest ranked side in the competition gave Colchester United a major scare, before succumbing to a David Mooney strike in a 1-0 defeat. Northampton couldn’t repeat their Carling Cup success, going down 3-2 at Sheffield Wednesday, who are now under Milan Mandaric’s guidance, having taken over the club and Southampton advanced comfortably, cruising past Cheltenham Town 3-0 at St. Mary’s.
With Arsenal v Leeds, Stevenage v Newcastle and Manchester United v Liverpool on the cards in round three, the FA Cup is now really starting to hot up.
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