The 2nd Round of the FA Cup has taken place. Here is a round up of the results, with match reports from all games as teams from Division 1 & 2 join the winners from the 1st Round.
Brighton & Hove Albion v Manchester United – Brighton were given another home tie as they took on Division 1 Manchester United. It was going to prove to be a tricky away day for the visitors as Brighton are looking a good side this year. Manchester got the first shots in but the Brighton keeper was equal to them. Brighton then had some good possession and could have snatched the match if it wasn’t for the Utd keeper parrying the ball away. it was still 0-0 in injury time as Brighton gave as good as they got, but once last move from Man Utd broke the home sides hearts as United scored with the last kick of the match.
Result: Brighton 0 v 1 Man Utd
Sheffield United v Nottingham Forest – Cup holders Notts Forest began their defence against non-league Sheffield United. It appeared it was going to be a very one-sided match as Forest took a grip of the game from the offset and soon were one-nil up. It did not take long before they scored a second and fans were wondering if a record score could be on the cards. A clumsy challenge early in the second half gave Sheffield a direct free kick and they made use of it to bring the goal difference back to one. This gave them a renewed fight in the game and it was Forest who were now holding on. Sheffield could not line up a good shot and time expired as the holders go through.
Result: Sheff Utd 1 v 2 Notts Forest
Birmingham City v Burnley – With two Conference teams facing off against each other, it guaranteed that one of these clubs would be the first from the Conference to make it into the 3rd Round, so there was everything to play for. Birmingham started off the brighter and hit the post in their efforts to score. But it was Burnley who got onto the scoresheet first, as Birmingham gifted them a goal after giving away a free kick. Birmingham fought back and the home fans were stunned when they hit the post for a second time. Burnley then found a way through to double their lead. Birmingham did not give up and slotted home into the corner of the goal to give themselves a chance. There were a few more chances for Birmingham but the Burnley keeper made some great saves to help his side make it into the 3rd Round.
Result: Birmingham City 1 v 2 Burnley
Manchester City v Q.P.R. – City were always going to be the favourites for this tie, but QPR were going to give it a good go to see if they could have a cup run this year. City got off to a good start and the home fans were delighted when they scored first. QPR fought back and despite hitting the post, they did get an equaliser to keep the match alive. But tiredness took hold and they gave away a silly free kick which resulted in a second City goal. They did not learn from their mistake and soon gave away another free kick, but this time it was saved. Despite a tense finish, City held on to go through.
Result: Man City 2 v 1 Q.P.R.
Aston Villa v Liverpool – Division 1 Liverpool faced a tricky tie away to Division 2 Aston Villa. Both sides had already proved their form by reaching the semi-finals in the League Cup. Liverpool got off to the better start and with some sublime attacking scored first with a lovely placed goal that send the keeper the wrong way. The home crowd expected Villa to fight back but once more Liverpool came forward and found a second. With the tie almost out of reach, Villa began their attack and midway through the second half they managed a goal of their own. Villa continued the pressure and had several opportunities to score the second, but their attackers let them down with poor shooting. Liverpool held on against significant pressure, so they go through to the 3rd Round.
Result: Aston Villa 1 v 2 Liverpool
Arsenal v Watford – Top of the table Arsenal took on surprise team of the year so far in an-all Division 1 clash. Arsenal have done well in the FA Cup over the last two seasons so were favourites for this encounter. Watford started off like they had something to prove to the bookies and they were true to their word as they took an early lead. The home fans were stunned when Watford attacked once more and scored again. Arsenal took the game by the scruff of its neck and soon hit back. It appeared as if it could go level when Arsenal mounted another challenge but it was only denied by an epic save from Watford keeper. Soon afterwards Arsenal gave away a free kick and suddenly it was 3-1. Arsenal pushed everyone forward as they thought they may have a chance if they could score a second, but Watford countered and squeezed in a fourth and put the tie out of reach for Arsenal.
Result: Arsenal 1 v 4 Watford
Leicester City v Huddersfield Town – This match was between Leicester of Division 3 and non-league Huddersfield. Leicester were by far the most dominant team as they strutted around expecting to win. That was soon rewarded as they broke the Huddersfield defence to take the lead. The home fans were expecting a second goal but Huddersfield stood strong. As Leicester started to tire, it appeared Huddersfield’s plan was to grab a late goal and possibly take the game into extra time. They had a few chances but did not trouble the Leicester keeper.
Result: Leicester City 1 v 0 Huddersfield Town
Wolverhampton Wanderers v Newcastle United – Wolves have been impressive since their promotion to Division 3, but they faced a difficult task as they hosted Division 1 Newcastle. Wolves got off to a better start and were first to score. In a competitive game, Newcastle knew they had to fight and this paid off when they found an equaliser. They almost got a second but the Wolves keeper made an excellent save. As the game got into injury time, Newcastle had one final attack and it nearly paid off, but the Wolves keeper denied them. In extra time, Wolves took the upper hand and scored again. They almost had a chance to wrap up the game when Newcastle gave a needless free kick, but the wall stood strong. Newcastle then had one last opportunity at the end of the area, to take it to penalties, but the Wolves keeper was just too good. Wolves can enjoy a giant killing and a place in the 3rd Round for the first time.
Result: Wolves 2 v 1 Newcastle Utd (a.e.t.)
Leeds United v Everton – Both these teams performed well in last years FA Cup with Leeds reaching the quarter finals and Everton getting to the semis, so fans expected an exciting match as the teams wanted to extended their good cup runs. Ultimately this did not happen, as the match turned out to be a display of defences and few chances. Everton from Division 1 were the stronger team and were rewarded with the first goal. Leeds did try to counter, but their poor league form showed as the team lacked confidence. Despite their best efforts they could not beat the Everton defence. Their own defence did well to prevent Everton from scoring again – however it was the Division 1 team that go through.
Result: Leeds Utd 0 v 1 Everton
Wimbledon v Portsmouth – A close game was expected between these two sides and the fans were not wrong as the battle commenced. Wimbledon are currently two divisions above Portsmouth, but they are struggling for league form and Portsmouth could smell an upset. There was nothing to divide the teams in the first half as they tried to work out each others tactics. Wimbledon then found some extra pace as Portsmouth began to tire on the heavy turf. Wimbledon finally found the net with a good attacking move. Then it came down to the best goalkeeper as both made good saves to keep their side in the tie. In injury time, Wimbledon came close to getting a second and then the referee blew the whistle before Portsmouth could mount a final attack.
Result: Wimbledon 1 v 0 Portsmouth
Norwich City v Luton Town – Norwich, who are the Cup Finalists from the last two years, began their quest for a third final in a row against Division 2 Luton. But it was Luton who got off to the best start as they scored early after a fumble by the Norwich keeper. Luton soon doubled their lead after some strong attacking play. Division 1 Norwich knew they were in for a fight and managed to claw a goal back early in the second after a great through ball. Norwich then piled on the pressure looking for an equaliser. But it was Luton who came closest to scoring, after a breakaway shot rebounded off the keeper only to hit a Norwich player and nearly roll over the goal line. Eventually time ran out for Norwich and Luton go through.
Result: Norwich City 1 v 2 Luton Town
Charlton Athletic v Coventry City – Division 2 Charlton made a great start to the game against basement Division 3 Coventry as they hit the post twice in the first few minutes. It did not take them long to score their first after a defender game away a direct free kick. Soon after Charlton doubled their lead and looked to be coasting as Coventry were all over the place. As Charlton slowed the pace, the game changed on a dime after a defender gave away a needless penalty to make it 2-1. Coventry then burst into life and after some intricate dribbling between two forwards, an incredible flick shot saw the ball hit the corner to make it 2-2. Suddenly Charlton looked rattled and there was more pain to come as Coventry broke forward once more and a classy shot saw the ball glide into the far corner of the goal. Charlton were stunned after losing a two goal cushion and then pushed forward. They forced a great save from the Coventry keeper and also hit the post for a third time. It was not enough and Coventry let the time run down to prevent Charlton having any more chances in this shock result.
Result: Charlton Athletic 2 v 3 Coventry City
Oxford United v Crystal Palace – The fans were looking forward to a close encounter as these two Division 3 sides took on each other. Crystal Palace are top of the division but Oxford are challenging for promotion and have home advantage. It was Oxford who got off to the better start, as they played some fantastic passing play and found the net to make it 1-0. Palace knew they were in for a tough match and pressed forward for an equaliser. They were only stopped by a defender who managed to knock the Palace shot over the crossbar and onto the top of the goal netting. Oxford continued with some perfect passing and they were rewarded with a second goal. Palace were now under pressure if their cup run was to continue and they were once again thwarted by a great save from the keeper who pushed the ball onto the post and away. Oxford, cheered on by the home supporters, continued their good spell. They were soon at the top of the goal area and a superb curling shot found the net. The home fans were ecstatic and Palace knew there was not enough time to come back from this. Palace still pushed forward to try and get something for the score line, but Oxford held strong to record a record win for the club.
Result: Oxford United 3 v 0 Crystal Palace
Southampton v Sheffield Wednesday – It was going to be an exciting tie between these two sides, who were looking for a long cup run, after their league campaigns faltered. It was Sheff Wed who got off to the better start and they scored a great goal. Southampton were quick to counter but the Sheffield Wednesday keeper was playing a blinder. Wednesday kept threatening to score but the Southampton keeper made an outstanding save to keep them in the tie. Then a mistake by a Saints defender gave Sheffield a chance to double their lead, but the keeper managed to push the ball onto the post. Southampton kept the pressure on, but a breakaway from Wednesday led to a corner. The striker flicked the ball to the left of the keeper and it was 2-0. Southampton continued searching for a goal and they finally found the net after a lot of pressure, but it was too late as time ran out and the final whistle was blown before they had a chance to restart the game.
Result: Southampton 1 v 2 Sheff Wed
Tottenham Hotspur v Brentford – Non-league Brentford were in for a good day as they travelled across London to meet Division 1 Tottenham. Tottenham were the clear favourites and they did not let nerves get the better of them as they took a dominant start. It was rewarded soon as some good play resulted in them taking the lead. Tottenham continued with possession play and after a sequence of corners, they made one count with another well worked goal. Brentford did try to fight back and their best piece of play was when they hit the post, but Spurs were just too strong and they held on and played out the final minutes of the tie.
Result: Tottenham 2 v 0 Brentford
Chelsea v West Ham United – The final match of Round 2 was the top tie as rivals Chelsea took on West Ham. Chelsea were slight favourites as reigning League Champions and West Ham are struggling this season. It was Chelsea who got off to a dominant start and they managed to score on the half hour, although West Ham disputed the goal as they claimed the Chelsea striker had fouled the defender as he was taking his shot. The referee dismissed the appeals and awarded the goal. The game was fairly even although the tension was now rising. Later, Chelsea had another shot and the West Ham keeper fumbled the ball and inadvertently turned the ball into his own net to make it 2-0 to the home side. West Ham fought back and had several corners but to no avail. As Chelsea tried to play out the remaining time, they gave away a free kick which West Ham converted after it took a deflection off a defender in the wall. Time was running out for West Ham and they tried to get an equaliser but Chelsea gained possession and it was all over.
Result: Chelsea 2 v 1 West Ham United