12/30/24
January 08, 2005
The FA Cup Third Round: starts today, as the big boys join the little fish like Yeading, who have alread fought through six rounds to get here.
(Fixtures and classic finals inside)
posted by Mr Bismarck to soccer at 08:27 AM - 6 comments
Early surprises are the Championship's Sheffield United's 3-1 win over Aston Villa, League One's Oldham beating Manchester City and non-league Exeter then go to Old Trafford and hold Man United to a 0-0 draw, forcing a replay at Exeter.
posted by Mr Bismarck at 12:00 PM on January 08, 2005
Chelsea went behind to Scunthorpe too, which would have been incredible, except Chelsea fought back to win 3-1. The United-Exeter result is amazing. It was a very poor United team, but even so... the replay should be fascinating, especially to see what kind of team Fergie puts out.
posted by afx237vi at 03:30 PM on January 08, 2005
Oh, and I must say that I was gutted to see Swansea City (League Two) only draw 1-1 with Reading (The Championship) after leading for most of the match. We were robbed by a late equaliser after playing brilliantly for most of the game. With a bit of luck we'll beat them in the home replay and get a big side in the 4th round.
posted by afx237vi at 03:33 PM on January 08, 2005
What's the difference between Aston Villa and a teabag? A teabag stays in the cup longer.
posted by squealy at 06:54 PM on January 08, 2005
I have to admit to being astonished that West Brom will be in the draw for the 4th round. I was certain Preston were going to turn us over.
posted by salmacis at 11:06 AM on January 09, 2005
This year's cup features the competition's biggest ever mismatch, while Ipswich fans, (like me), will be hoping the last English manager to win the FA Cup, can do so again. The BBC's guide to classic finals includes my favourite, (thanks to bias) and the most bizarre, a year later, in the shape of the five minute final. There's also a sop for stat fans, who can peruse the most successful teams.