The 3rd round of the FA Cup is always a big date in the English football calendar and this year was more exciting then most with shocks galore. Of course the tie of the round was at Old Trafford, where a controversial early penalty from Ryan Giggs gave Manchester United a 1-0 over Liverpool in Kenny Dalglish's first game back in charge of the Anfield club, although most of the drama lie elsewhere.
Championship promotion hopefuls Leeds United were seconds away from a shock win at the Emirates in the Saturday lunchtime game, but a last gasp penalty from Cesc Fabregas kept Arsenal in the competition.
Elsewhere this years' 3rd round certainly brought it's fair share of shocks. The biggest was at little Stevenage from League Two, who beat Premier League Newcastle United 3-1. Second half goals from Stacy Long and Michael Bostwick set the minnows on the way and although Joey Barton gave the Geordies hope in injury time, Peter Winn sealed the shock of the round moments later. It was sweet revenge for Boro after the Magpies had knocked them out at the same stage 14 year ago and will have done nothing to help Alan Pardew win over the doubters at St. James' Park.
It turned out to be a bad day for all the North-East clubs as Sunderland were also beaten, 2-1 at home by Notts. County from League One. Goals from Craig Westlake and Lee Hughes sealed the shock despite a late penalty from Darren Bent, while Championship strugglers Middlesbrough conceded twice in the last ten minutes to go down 2-1 at Burton Albion.
Garry O'Neill put the Teessiders ahead early in the second half and they went on to miss several chances to seal their place in the 4th round before a late Shaun Harrad brace, in what could be his last appearance for the club, sent the League Two side through.
Hartlepool United completed the North-East misery, although there was no disgrace in their 4-1 defeat at Championship side Watford. A goal from Antony Sweeney gave Pools a half time advantage which they held until just past the hour mark when a wonder strike from Piero Mingola, a brace from Marvin Sordell and a late effort from substitute Danny Graham then sent the Hornets through.
Blackpool and West Bromich Albion were also dumped out by lower league opposition as Ian Holloway's Seasiders lost 2-0 at League One promotion chasers Southampton, thanks to goals from Lee Barnard and Guly Do Prado, while Shane Long hit the only goal for Reading as they saw off Roberto Di Matteo's Baggies.
Other Premier League sides did not have it all their own way either as Stoke City were held to a 1-1 draw by Cardiff City from the Championship and Wolves had to come from behind to secure a 2-2 draw at Doncaster Rovers. It was similar story for Manchester City at Leicester, where ex-City manager Sven Goran-Eriksson must have enjoyed seeing his side hold the Premier League side to a 2-2 draw.
Elsewhere Bolton Wanderers were made to work hard for a 2-0 home win over Blue Square Premier League side York City, Blackburn Rovers needed a late Liam Hoilett goal to see off Championship leaders Queens Park Rangers 1-0, while West Ham only secured a 2-0 home win over Barnsley with a goal from Fredrick Piquionne in the final minute.
Wigan Athletic travelled to Hull City at this stage for the second year in a row and won 3-2 thanks to a brace from Mohamed Diame and a strike from Callum McManamen, while Birmingham City eased to a 4-1 win at Championship side Millwall.
Everton won a tricky tie at Scunthorpe United 5-1, while under-fire Aston Villa manager Gerard Houlier avoided a shock with a 3-1 win at championship strugglers Sheffield United, where ex-Blade Kyle Walker was among the goals against his former club. Fulham also made it through after hitting Peterborough for 6.
Meanwhile holders Chelsea and Tottenham both eased past lower league opponents on Sunday. Chelsea put their recent league problems behind them with a 7-0 home win over managerless Ipswich Town, while a brace from Jermaine Defoe helped Spurs beat League One visitors Charlton Athletic 3-0.
Their was another big shock in the Monday night tie as Crawley Town from the Blue Square Premier beat Championship side Derby County 2-1 thanks to a last minute goal from Sergio Torres, and they now the last remaining non league side left in the competition.
Other lower league sides through include Torquay United from League Two, who beat League One Carlisle 1-0, Leyton Orient, surprise 1-0 winners at Championship promotion chasers Norwich, Huddersfield Town who overcame non league Dover Athletic, Sheffield Wednesday, who won 3-0 at Bristol City and League One leaders Brighton who dumped out last seasons beaten finalists Portsmouth.
Elsewhere Championship sides Nottingham Forest and Coventry City both made it through, beating Preston and Crystal Palace respectively, while Swansea City overcame Colchester United from League One 4-0 and Burnley dumped League Two Port Vale out with a 4-2 home victory.
The full draw for the 4th round is as follows;
Arsenal/Leeds United v Huddersfield Town
Aston Villa v Blackburn Rovers
Birmingham City v Coventry City
Bolton Wanderers v Wigan Athletic
Burnley v Burton Albion
Doncaster Rovers/Wolves v Stoke City/Cardiff City
Everton v Chelsea
Fulham v Tottenham
Notts. County v Leicester City/Manchester City
Sheffield Wednesday v Wycombe Wanderers/Hereford United
Southampton v Manchester United
Stevenage v Reading
Swansea City v Leyton Orient
Torquay United v Crawley Town
Watford v Brighton
West Ham United v Nottingham Forest
Ties to be played over the weekend of January 29/30
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