Tottenham come from behind to beat Fulham in FA Cup replay

Tottenham preserved a place in the FA Cup semi-finals as they came from goal down to overcome Fulham 3-1 in the quarter final replay at White Hart Lane.

Europa League heroes Cottagers seemed well until the preiod to book a Wembley date with Pompey, as they fairly led 1-0 following Bobby Zamora's goal.

But only a minutes after the second time start Tottenham levelled as substitute David Bentley saw his free-kick bounce in the box and beyond Mark Schwarzer without anyone touching the ball.

On the hour, the substitute Roman Pavlyuchenko continued his outstanding form as he scored second to gave the Spurs lead.

The success was sealed not longer later when a wonderful flowing Spurs move saw Eidur Gudjohnsen round Schwarzer and scored for home side, although perhaps with a little help from the incoming Aaron Hughes.

Harry Redknapp now sets up a tie with his former club Portsmouth, who he led to FA Cup glory in 2008.

FA claim dates for semi finals

The Football Association has confirmed the dates and times for next month's FA Cup semi finals clashes at Wembley.

The matches has been certained for the weekend of 10/11th April, but the FA have now revealed when the matches will be played.

Chelsea's tie with Aston Villa is the first semi-final couple to play on Saturday, 10th April at 5pm.

In the other clash Portsmouth expecting Tottenham or Fulham - who must replay their quarter final on 24th March after their goalless draw at Craven Cottage - as that tie scheduled at 4pm on Sunday, 11th April.

AT last, The FA Cup final scheduled on 15th May to give England football fans more time to make ready for the summer's World Cup finals in South Africa.

FA Cup: Chelsea into semi-finals

FA Cup holders Chelsea are through into the semi-finals of the FA Cup after a 2-0 victory over Stoke on Sunday

John Terry will grab the headlines for all the right reasons after scoring Chelsea's second goal to help them overcome Stoke and touch the FA Cup semi-finals.

The Blues skipper has been the object of a host of statements about his private life of late, but headed in a Frank Lampard corner to seal the win.

Lampard himself opened the scoring when his 20-yard drive was deflected in.

The hosts continued to build up the better opportunities and Sorensen did well to get a hand on Didier Drogba's low strike while Lampard afire over after the ball fell kindly to him after the break.

Stoke infrequently endangered, and only then from set pieces, as holders Chelsea set up a last-four clash with Aston Villa.

And it was may be fitting that Terry - so honored by the Chelsea supporters - should have grabbed the Blues all important second goal as the 29-year-old ended another difficult week on a high.

Stoke, on the other hand, will turn their attention back to the Premier League as their wait to reach a first FA Cup final goes on.

Ray Wilkins:
"He's an exceptional captain and we're very proud to have him on board. He leads these players on the pitch in fantastic fashion and scored a brilliant second goal."

Tony Pulis:
"Our fans are fantastic, various... John Terry will have to admit he will take stick. He took stick from England fans the other night.

Aston Villa progress into FA Cup semi-finals

Aston Villa produced a extraordinary second-half improvement as John Carew's hat-trick eased the affliction of their Carling Cup loss to Manchester United by sealing a abrupt acknowledgment to Wembley in the semi-finals of the FA Cup.

The Royals had already throw out Premier League sides Liverpool and Burnley and a third attic appeared approaching at the Madejski Stadium.

Championship strugglers Reading had looked on advance for addition FA Cup shock as two Shane Long goals carved out a 2-0 half-time advance for the home side, who outplayed their more illustrious competitors in a superb first-half present.

But Villa responded with three goals in 10 minutes soon in the second half, Ashley Young starting the fightback afore Carew took over in stunning appearance.

The victory concluded Martin O'Neill's freakish stats of never accepting won a match in March with Villa back he took over from David O'Leary in 2006.

O'Neill was plainly planning on breaking his mad March avoid as he fielded his powerfully accessible ancillary on the only non-Premier League ancillary still in the contest.

Gabriel Agbonlahor was the only notable absentee as he recovers from a abdomen virus and O'Neill accept to accept started to accept a alike afraid activity in the pit of his abdomen as his ancillary fabricated an ambiguous begin.

Reading boss Brian McDermott:

"If you are traveling to lose a game, that is how you lose it.

"We played absolutely able-bodied in the first part and knew if we could accumulate it bound for 15 minutes in the second part we'd accept a adventitious but that didn't appear.

"But I am appreciative of every individual one of our players and it is only a abashment we couldn't get through for our supporters."

Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill:

"It was a abundant spell by us only afterwards half-time. The team showed such abundant appearance.

"We bare to do something because we had played so meekly in the first part.

"I didn't require to say much at half-time because we accept some accomplished players and they knew how second best we were in the first part."

Fulham and Tottenham face FA Cup replay

Fulham and Spurs have to do action afresh for a abode at Wembley in the FA Cup semi-final afterwards a deadlock at Craven Cottage.

Roy Hodgson's side, gluttonous to defended their first Wembley entry back they reprobate to West Ham United in the 1975 FA Cup final, created the bigger opportunities of a tightly-contested appointment abbreviate on assured openings.

Spurs guard Heurelho Gomes ensured they survived to acquire a replay at White Hart Lane with a faultless present that included outstanding saves from Zoltan Gera and Damien Duff in the second part.

Fulham were rarely embarrassed at the back, although guard Mark Schwarzer was tested by Niko Kranjcar's strike and Peter Crouch's offense afore the interruption.

Spurs boss Harry Redknapp will be the happier boss afterwards provision home advantage with this draw, but Hodgson has fashioned a accomplished ancillary at Fulham and will aswell go into the replay with absolute optimism.

Crouch, beginning from his two-goal success for England on Egypt in midweek, was twain with Roman Pavlyuchenko in offense as Jermain Defoe decidedly backward on the seat.

FA Cup: Portsmouth 2 - 0 Birmingham Match Report

Frederic Piquionne hit double as Portsmouth prevailed Birmingham 2-0 at Fratton Park to advance to the semi-finals of the FA Cup.

Relegation from the Premier League looks a foregone cessation afterwards a affecting abatement over the accomplished brace of years, but Pompey are now just two accomplish abroad from repeating their Wembley celebration of 2008 afterwards a hard-fought achievement over Alex McLeish's Blues.

Chances were little and far amid in an dull first half, although John Utaka forced Joe Hart into activity within 10 seconds and David James show acceptable agility to disprove Cameron Jerome at his closer post after an accurate Birmingham move.

The match exploded into activity afterw the half and Piquionne sticked Portsmouth in foreground in the 67th minute afterward a goalmouth rivalry involving Hart, Scott Dann and Danny Webber.

If Piquionne's opener was scrappy, he showed his standing only three minutes after when he latched over a Jamie O'Hara pass and turned his way past Roger Johnson afore slotting a shot home.

Birmingham anticipation they had reduced their arrears 10 minutes from time when Liam Ridgewell's attack appeared to bounce over the goalline afore James clawed the ball away, but the ambition was not awarded.

The guests continued to press in the final stages but Pompey captivated on to accomplish it through to the last four.

FA Cup Preview & Prediction

The FA Cup quarter-finals access this weekend as eight teams bid to move a step closer to winning the competition.

With usual Big Four members Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United having already been out of tournament, hopes among the remaining sides are high.

Holders Chelsea are the only team left of the expected Premier League heavyweights, while top-flight Spurs, Aston Villa, Birmingham, Fulham, Stoke and Portsmouth are also in the game.

Championship unit Reading are the only team remaining for the Football League after creating a number of upsets on their journey to the quarter-finals.

Crisis-club Portsmouth, who beaten local rivals Southampton in the fifth round, expected to face Birmingham to Fratton Park on Saturday lunchtime to kick-off proceedings and the South Coast club will want some more welcome relief.

Pompey, FA Cup winners in 2008, have been ingrained in misery this season as they prop up the Premier League and they have entered administration, while Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs is still knocking at the door.

In opposite, Birmingham have enjoyed an superb campaign and Alex McLeish's men are still in competition for a Europa League trophy at the same time as chasing a place in the semi-finals.

London rivals Fulham and Tottenham twisted horns at Craven Cottage on Saturday evening for possibly the most exciting duel of the round.

Roy Hodgson's Cottagers pursue for a first FA Cup in their history, but they will have to eliminate Harry Redknapp's high-flying Tottenham.

Reading have claimed the title of this season's shock specialists as Brian McDermott's second-tier strugglers have scalped Liverpool, Burnley and West Brom to leave them comparatively immovable by the arrival of Aston Villa.

Martin O'Neill's men, though, will be in a undaunted mood after last weekend's Carling Cup final defeat to Manchester United.

Premier League leaders Chelsea's clash with Stoke, conquerors of mega-rich Manchester City in the last round, at Stamford Bridge completes the round as the Potters bid to end the Blues' defence of the cup.

Stoke no fear of Chelsea

Liam Lawrence assert there is no fear of Chelsea ahead in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup at Stamford Bridge.

The Potters trip to West London on Sunday's quarter-final intends to dump the FA Cup holders out and book their place in the semi-finals.

Lawrence is enjoying the challenge and he is confident Stoke can take a lot from their performance at Stamford Bridge last season when only two late goals denied them a glorious win.

"It is a massive game for us and although you don't say your fancy yourselves to win you have got to fancy that we can go there and maybe cause an upset," the midfielder told skysports.com.

"We nearly beat them there last year so you never know."

For Stoke this is first appearance in the FA Cup quarter-finals since 1972 and Lawrence is eager to reach the last four, having never previously got that far in the competition.

"The quarter-finals is the furthest I have got and we will be giving it our best shot, and you never know," added Lawrence.

Stephen Kelly is hoping to end Tottenham's FA Cup dreams

Fulham full-back Stephen Kelly is keen to end former club Tottenham's FA Cup hopes when they meet this weekend at Craven Cottage.

Kelly spent six seasons at Tottenham before exit for Birmingham and then departure onto Fulham last summer.

The 26-year-old is enjoying the possibility of locking horns with his former club in Saturday's FA Cup quarter-finals and is optimistic of reaching the last four.

"Tottenham in the FA Cup this weekend is special for me, especially if I can get one over on them," Kelly insist.

"They are a good side and they are playing a lot of good football at the moment and doing very well in the league at the minute.

"It is going to be difficult, but we have got them at home and our home form has been very good this season so why not that we get through to the next round."

Kelly is relishing his time at Fulham with the West London side also going well in the Premier League and Europa League, as well as the FA Cup.

"Things are going well so I can't really complain," added Kelly.

Martin O'Neill blame referee Phil Dowd

Martin O'Neill blame referee Phil Dowd for costing his Aston Villa side Carling Cup glory. Manchester United claimed Carling Cup beating Aston Villa 2-1 at Wembley.

Nemanja Vidic should been sent off for his challenge on Gabriel Agbonlahor in the Carling Cup final at Wembley, according Villa boss. Vidic was last man in United defence but did not even get booked.

"It was plain for all to see. It's an inexplicable decision. There was a goalscoring opportunity in the area."

"They should have been down to 10 men."

"It was a mistake from an otherwise very fine referee."

"There's no other decision. It's the major point of the match."

"Anybody would be wondering how he could come to any other conclusion."

"It doesn't matter whether it's the first or 90th minute. It is straightforward - so straightforward it is incredible."

"It's hard to take. I thought we played splendidly, particularly in the first half."

"I'm disappointed for the team but they're resilient, they're strong, they're young and they will fight back."

About the incident early in the game United manager Alex Ferguson said: "There's been three or four in the last week that have been similar to that.

"It is very difficult for the referee. I have not seen it but Vidic was lucky not to be booked, anyway."

Manchester United beat Aston Villa in the Carling Cup final

Super substitute Wayne Rooney scored the winner as Manchester United beat Aston Villa in the Carling Cup final.

Villa, who themselves were looking for their sixth League Cup win, took the lead through James Milner's early penalty after Nemanja Vidic fouled Gabriel Agbonlahor.

Michael Owen sidefooted an equaliser when Dimitar Berbatov capitalised on a Richard Dunne mistake.

Ji-Sung Park hit the post but Rooney, who was later denied by the woodwork, proved the hero when he headed Antonio Valencia's cross into the top corner.

Martin O'Neill's men will probably point to the fact that Nemenja Vidic could have seen red for his part in the penalty incident, but United probably deserved to lift the silverware in a closely contested match.

Full Carling Cup final Aston Villa v Manchester Utd LIVE Coverage

Carling Cup final: Aston Villa v Manchester Utd: LIVE

Follow live text commentary on the Carling Cup final between Aston Villa and Manchester United at Wembley

14:11 Manchester United's Red Army are decked out predominantly in green and gold today. They are of course protesting about the Glazer family's ownership of the club by wearing the colours of Newton Heath - United's name when they were founded in 1878.

14:13 ROONEY ON THE BENCH! Disappointment for the England forward and for the Manchester United fans - Michael Owen starts and Wayne Rooney will be collecting splinters among the substitutes.

14:16 TEAMS - ASTON VILLA: Friedel, Cuellar, Dunne, Collins, Warnock, A Young, Milner, Petrov, Downing, Agbonlahor, Heskey... MANCHESTER UNITED: Kuszczak, Rafael, Evans, Vidic, Evra, Valencia, Fletcher, Carrick, Park, Berbatov, Owen.

14:54 Fabio Capello is spotted in the stands... plenty of English talent to watch today.

14:56 In the absence of Giggs, Neville, Ferdinand, Van der Sar and Rooney, Patrice Evra skippers United today.

1' Here we go! Villa get things underway at Wembley!

2' Villa win the first corner of the game as Evra heads behind!

4'PENALTY TO VILLA! Vidic is caught out by Agbonlahor's pace and as he tries to recover, he brings him down! No further punishment for the United man...

5'GOAL! JAMES MILNER PUTS VILLA INTO THE LEAD! Great spot kick - he sends Kuszczak the wrong way and Villa lead 1-0!

10'Look at Owen now! He skips past one challenge before being brought down by Collins! Yellow card for the Villa defender

13'GOAL! OWEN! UNTED ARE BACK ON LEVEL TERMS! WHO NEEDS ROONEY?! It stems from an error by Dunne, whose pockets are picked by Berbatov... the Bulgarian advances before Dunne's challenge sees the ball skew to Owen, who finishes brilliantly past Friedel! 1-1 now! What a game....

17'Funnily enough, Michael Owen has never played in a Wembley final... all his final exploits came at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.

18'Downing is carded for a late challenge on Evra...

24'Villa are just playing it around the midfield... until Collins finds Park and United can break...

29'It opens up a little for Carrick, but the United midfielder's effort is poor and the ball rolls well wide of the mark.

32'Cuellar piles in on Evra, after the Frenchman dances past him... free-kick to United.

37'Super challenge by Warnock as Valencia threatens to burst clear... he showed a lack of pace there though, the potential England left-back.

41'Evra is booked for a trip on Young... and Villa fans let off a loud ironic cheer as a United player finally gets a yellow card.

42'Rooney's coming on! Ah, that's why Owen didn't pull the trigger earlier... he's crocked again! Oh well, not a bad replacement...

45'Berbatov lets fly from distance... but he doesn't catch it right and Friedel is able to collect.

45'+3PARK OFF THE POST! Great strike from the Korean as the ball comes to him after Warnock's slip allowed in Valencia!


46' Back underway at Wembley! No futher changes to tell you about.

49' Brilliant from Carrick! And equally brilliant stop from Friedel to deny United a second!

49' Brilliant from Carrick! And equally brilliant stop from Friedel to deny United a second!

60' Villa fans are keen for their side to inject a little something into their game... they're chanting the name of John Carew.

64' Rafael jars his leg slightly in the soggy Wembley turf... and he looks in some discomfort...

66' Neville races back from the dressing room and he comes on to replace Rafael...

68' Vidic is finally booked for a foul from behind on Young... and inevitably, that prompts ironic cheers from the Villa end!

70' YOUNG! The corner is ballooned up into the air off Berbatov's head before falling nicely for the Villa winger... when it finally drops though, he volleys into the ground and the ball bounces wide

73'Young looks to get past Evra in the United box... but the Frenchman stands firm and make a good challenge... Villa fans want a penalty, but it's not going to happen!

74'GOAL! UNITED TAKE THE LEAD! AND GUESS WHO IT IS? WAYNE ROONEY! The England striker rises high to meet Valencia's lofted cross with a brilliant looping header that beats Friedel! 2-1 United!

75'Very similar to the one he scored in Milan, that one! And it may prove to be the winner, with just 15 minutes remaining!

76'Super ball in by Valencia, looking for Berbatov at the near post! But Friedel gets there to claim!

78'ROONEY OFF THE POST WITH ANOTHER HEADER! It's Valencia again with the cross to Rooney, whose downward header from a standing position cannons back off the upright with Friedel beaten all ends up!

80'Villa make a change now as they chase the game... Carew on for Cuellar.

82'Oooh! Villa close to an equaliser! Collins goes up to meet a cross... it seems to come off Vidic before looping up over the keeper! But Kuszczak recovers well to tip over the bar!

85'United make a change... Park for Gibson...

88'Dunne nearly gets to a decent Villa delivery into the United box! This one may not be over just yet!

90'Four minutes of added time to be played...

90'+2Valencia sprints the full length of the pitch before firing into the side netting! He deserves a goal....

90'+5 There it is! United fans celebrate! The holders retain the Carling Cup thanks to goals by Michael Owen and that man Wayne Rooney!

Aston Villa vs Manchester United Preview & Prediction

Having left Rooney out of the League Cup final triumph over Tottenham Hotspur last season, Sir Alex Ferguson will surely be hard pressed to snub the England star this time around.

Carling Cup Final: SUNDAY FEBRUARY 28, 2010, WEMBLEY.

Aston Villa will be looking to bring an end to their 14-year wait for a trophy when they take on League Cup holders Manchester United at Wembley in the final of this year's competition on Sunday.

If the Villans are to win their first piece of major silverware since 1996, they'll certainly have to be at their best against a United side with Wayne Rooney in such devastating form.

Looked at the fixture list which includes a return meeting with Milan at Old Trafford on March 10 and vital Premier League games, Ferguson said: "It has to be a consideration simply because we have important games coming up. The problem is he(Rooney) is desperate to play, he is always desperate to play."

In their two Premier League meetings this season Aston Villa have a return of four points, including a historic 1-0 win at Old Trafford, Villa's first at the "Theatre of Dreams" since 1983. When the Villains travelled to Manchester the Red Devils were suffering a defensive injury crisis.

Aston Vila skipper Stan Petrov has recovered from a chest infection and will be available to lead the team. Nigel Reo-Coker, Wilfred Bouma and Marlon Harewood are missed because of an injury.

Man Utd injured players include Owen Hargreaves, Anderson, Rio Ferdinand, Ryan Giggs and John O'Shea, while Nani is suspended

In fact, that United are yet to win a game at the new Wembley without the aid of a penalty shoot-out

Verdict: Aston Villa v Manchester United 2-2

Unirea Urziceni vs Liverpool Preview & Prediction

Liverpool will take a slim 1-0 lead into the second leg against underdogs Unirea Urziceni in the Europa League on Thursday.

As Unirea Urziceni are such a small club they will be playing at Steaua Bucharest’s stadium because their stadium does not meet UEFA’s guidelines.

Both teams were in the UEFA Champions League group stage but failed to make the knockout stage. While Unirea were not expected to advance in the Champions League for Liverpool it was a big disappointment

Liverpool and fans are expected to content for the Europa League title race so a loss in this round would be disappointing, while for Unirea Urzceni there is no such expectations or pressure.

Liverpool striker Fernando Torres will be again on the bench as Rafael Benitez pledges not to rush him back.

The Spain international made his long-awaited comeback from a knee operation after five weeks out in a 15-minute substitute appearance in Sunday's goalless draw at Manchester City.

Unirea will be without Argentinian defender Pablo Brandan as his booking in the first leg rules him out with suspension.

Midfielder Sorin Paraschiv was one of the players who provided the defensive screen at Anfield but he admits they cannot afford to be so negative this time around.

Verdict: Unirea Urziceni vs Liverpool 0-2

FA Cup Round up

Stoke finally managed to beat 10-man Manchester City in an epic FA Cup fifth-round replay. Roman Pavlyuchenko continued his recent resurgence with two more goals to earn Tottenham an FA Cup quarter. Villa also progressed after 3-1 win against Crystal Palace. Reading with dramatic comeback against WBA.

The Potters edged out Roberto Mancini's side 3-1 after the fiery clash at the Britannia Stadium went to extra time. Extra-time goals from Ryan Shawcross and Tuncay earned Stoke an FA Cup quarter-final and now face Chelsea in the last eight, was pleased the Potters had finally emerged victorious after successive 1-1 draws against the Eastlands side.

Roman Pavlyuchenko scored in the 23rd and 87th minute, respectively, as Spurs beat Bolton 4-0, including two own goals, to secure their progression to face Fulham. Jussi Jaaskelainen was at fault for the first of two Bolton own goals, the ball deflecting in off his leg as he failed to deal with a Wilson Palacios centre.

John Carew won and scored two late penalties to see off Crystal Palace and keep alive Aston Villa's hopes of reaching a second Wembley final. Darren Ambrose had cancelled out Gabriel Agbonlahor's earlier header, but it was not enough for Palace.


Reading securing a place in the last eight for the first time since 1927 with a memorable win over West Brom. The Baggies took an early lead when Robert Koren tapped in a rebound, only for Jimmy Kebe to knock in a leveller.

Koren again put West Brom ahead thanks to an Adam Federici mistake, but Brian Howard's strike sent it to extra-time.

Sigurdsson curled in superbly from 25 yards to win it and there was a melee at the end, with Jobi McAnuff sent off.

The red card was brandished after the final whistle, with players, stewards and officials all involved as McAnuff was shown red by referee Lee Mason for violent conduct.

The Royals will face Aston Villa in the next round.

FA Cup: Tottenham vs Bolton Preview & Prediction

The Premier League rivals Tottenham and Bolton will be looking to take another positive step the road to Wembley in an FA Cup fifth-round replay, with a place in the last eight of English football's most prestigious knockout competition.

Spurs won three of their last four meetings with Bolton on home soil and have kept a clean sheet in six of their last seven matches in front of their own supporters.

Bolton, meanwhile, have gone 422 minutes without a goal away from home, although their last effort on the road did come in North London during a 4-2 defeat at Arsenal.

Tottenham will be without Ledley King because of a thigh injury. Aaron Lennon also misses out after suffering a setback in his recovery from a groin problem, while Younes Kaboul and Kyle Walker are cup-tied.

Bolton boss Owen Coyle could be tempted to rotate his squad with his side in the midst of a relegation battle.

Vladimir Weiss and Jack Wilshere are cup-tied, while Gretar Steinsson, Chris Basham and Mark Davies are injured.

Bolton are likely to have to face Roman Pavlyuchenko in the Spurs attack, just three days after his two-goal salvo helped the Londoners beat Wigan on Sunday.

Verdict: Tottenham vs Bolton 1-0

FA Cup fifth round - Day two

Crystal Palace earn a replay against Aston Villa after a thrilling 2-2 draw, while Bolton and Tottenham also draw, but Fulham see off Notts County to reach the FA Cup quarter-finals.

Fulham booked their place in the last eight of the FA Cup with a deserved win over League Two side Notts County.

Fulham were the better side throughout and were 2-0 up at half-time, courtesy of Bobby Zamora's superb finish.

Damien Duff's near-post finish and substitute Stefano Okaka's breakaway strike rounded off a comfortable win.

Stiliyan Petrov's late equaliser denied Crystal Palace a place in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup and kept alive Aston Villa's hopes of a second Wembley appearance of the season.

The home side twice took the lead in rainy conditions in South London, with Austrian defender Johannes Ertl opening the scoring with a header from a Darren Ambrose corner on 25 minutes.

Villa responded soon later as James Collins scored from corner.Ambrose gave Palace the lead once more with a stunning 36-yard free-kick.

Villa denied a cup shock late on when captain Stiliyan Petrov scored three minutes to stopped time.

Tottenham Hotspur come from behind at the Reebok Stadium to earn a 1-1 draw and a replay with Bolton Wanders.

The Trotters deservedly had the lead at the break with Kevin Davies finding the back of the net for Owen Coyle's side.

But Spurs came back strong in the second half and levelled through the ubiquitous Jermain Defoe.

Stoke earn deserved replay

Ricardo Fuller headed home at Eastlands to earn replay. Stoke City came from behind to draw 1-1 with Manchester City and send their FA Cup fifth round tie back to the Britannia Stadium.

Shaun Wright-Phillips had given City an early lead but Ricardo Fuller headed home a Rory Delap throw-in in the second-half to secure a deserved replay.

It means the two teams will meet again twice in the next fortnight at the Britannia Stadium, with Tuesday's Premier League game followed by a Cup replay the following week.

England boss Fabio Capello was at Eastlands to check on Bridge and the left-back showed he is sharp enough after his recent two-month lay-off, even if doubts over his relationship with Terry will remain.

FA Cup fifth round

Carlo Ancelotti's Chelsea eased into the quarter-finals as the holders defeated 2008 finalists Cardiff 4-1 at Stamford Bridge.

Portsmouth delivered a welcome distraction from their troubled season as Avram Grant's men eliminated South Coast rivals Southampton 4-1 at St Mary's.

The 2008 FA Cup winners avoided a winding-up order from the High Court in midweek and their luck was also in on the field.

Premier League Birmingham came from a goal down to defeat Derby with 2-1 at Pride Park. Liam Ridgewell scored the winner in injury time to spark wild celebrations among the travelling fans.

Reading, , who had conquered Liverpool and Burnley earlier, drew 2-2 with high-flying Championship rivals West Brom at the Madejski Stadium. With numbers restored, Reading took advantage but with three minutes left West Brom grabbed a dramatic equaliser.

Ricardo Fuller's header earned Stoke a deserved replay in their FA Cup fifth round tie with Manchester City after 1-1 draw at Eastlands.

Comfortable win for Chelsea in FA Cup

FA Cup holders Chelsea took a comfortable win over 2008 finalists Cardiff City after perfect second-half performance.

Didier Drogba gave the Blues a perfect start when he run onto John Obi Mikel's long pass and slotted the ball past David Marshall into the net.

Drogba's fourth goal in three games since his return from the African Cup of Nations and his 23rd of the season.

Michael Chopra gave Cardiff brief hope with a first-half leveller before Michael Ballack restored Chelsea's lead.

Daniel Strurridge and Salomon Kalou sealed Championship Cardiff's fate.

Chelsea remain the team to beat in this competition with Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool already eliminated.

Chelsea's squad may have been without some of the stars as John Terry, Ashley Cole and Michael Essien, absentees for differing reasons, but Ancelotti was still able to name £105m of talent in a star-studded team.