Barnsley steal the show on fifth round weekend

Cup Round-Up
By Chris,
February 20 2008

Barnsley stole all the headlines on an exciting weekend of F.A Cup action following a superb 2-1 win against the Scousers. Meanwhile, West Brom put five passed rivals Coventry, whilst Bristol Rovers stunned Southampton in the West Country. ManUtdWeb rounds up all eight ties with the winners’ now sitting just one game from Wembley Stadium.

LIVERPOOL 1-2 BARNSLEY

Ex-Manchester United goalkeeper Luke Steele produced an inspired performance as Barnsley dumped Liverpool out of the F.A Cup. The Scousers were booed off by the Kop faithful as they produced a thoroughly complacent display against their Championship counterparts.

Dirk Kuyt had put the hosts in front; but the Tykes stunned Anfield as goals from Stephen Foster and Brian Howard secured a truly astonishing comeback. After the game, a large section of the Scouse muppets aimed chants of “Yanks Out” to the club’s new owners. They clearly have short memories – who else can remember their Stars & Stripes parade after the Glazers bought United?

CHELSEA 3-1 HUDDERSFIELD TOWN

Frank Lampard scored twice and set up for Saloman Kalou as Chelsea survived a brief scare to book their ticket to the quarter-finals. The England midfielder opened the scoring on 18 minutes but the Yorkshireman hit back and Michael Collins restored parity on the stroke of half-time with a beautiful finish.

Avram Grant's men, much changed from last league outing, battled back after the interval and goals on 60 and 70 minutes sealed the 3-1 win. Chelsea had two goals ruled out for offside in the process.

COVENTRY CITY 0-5 WEST BROMWICH ALBION

West Bromwich Albion heaped further misery on managerless Coventry City with an incredible 5-0 win at the Ricoh Arena.

Roman Bednar hit a brace, whilst Chris Brunt, Ishmael Miller and Zoltan Gera all scored as the Baggies claimed the Midlands bragging rights with a comprehensive victory. The Sky Blues were reduced to 10-men on 48 minutes with Michael Doyle sent to the stands.

CARDIFF CITY 2-0 WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS

Peter Whittingham and Jimmy Floyd-Hasselbaink were on target for Cardiff City as they secured their first F.A Cup quarter-final berth for 81 years. Both goals were in the opening eleven minutes against a below-par Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That year, the Bluebirds went onto win the competition and the South Wales club will be hoping to match that remarkable feat following wins against Chasetown, Hereford and Wolves.

BRISTOL ROVERS 1-0 SOUTHAMPTON

Bristol Rovers will be the lowest ranked club in the quarter-finals of the Cup following a stunning 1-0 win over Championship side Southampton. Rickie Lambert's strike on 84 minutes turned out to be the difference between the two teams.

The Saints, who are yet to appoint a permanent boss following George Burley's departure, were second best in all departments and the Pirates fully deserved their win.

PRESTON NORTH END 0-1 PORTSMOUTH

Darren Carter netted a last-gasp own goal as Pompey undeservedly progressed to the last eight.

Preston, who dominated proceedings throughout, had the perfect chance to win the tie but Simon Whaley saw his late penalty saved by David James. The visitors then went up the other end and saw Carther turn a corner into his own net.

SHEFFIELD UNITED 0-0 MIDDLESBROUGH

Sunday's F.A Cup action kicked-off with a dour goalless draw at Brammal Lane. Neither side created any notable opportunities and the two sides must battle out a replay at the Riverside.