A good night for the Premiership sides saw all four progress although, Blackburn aside, they all left it late to book their passage through to the next round. Here’s the notes…
Blackburn came from behind to ease past Grimsby with a brace from Derbyshire and further goals from Villanueva and Emerton. Ince made 8 changes to the side that drew with Hull last weekend and it was Villanueva on his debut, that stole the show despite the double strike from Derbyshire.
The Chilean international put on a sparkling display playing just off the striker, earning a goal and an assist. Ince clearly rates him highly based on his post-match comments and although the midfielder is still not match fit having suffered chicken pox recently, he must surely be pushing for a Premiership start very soon. Expect him to be on the bench at Upton Park at the weekend.
Fulham needed a last minute goal from Murphy to win their tie with Championship Leicester. They were pushed all the way in this one with Bullard saving Fulham with an equaliser with just 7 minutes left after Leicester had gone 2-1 ahead following Gera’s first half effort.
Hodgson put out a full strength side with Kallio in at left back for the injured Konchesky again. Significantly he also brought in Stoor for Pantsil at right back after the former West Ham man’s dreadful challenge on Eboue at the weekend – perhaps with an imminent ban in mind.
Sunderland needed extra time to see off Forest. Bardsley levelling with his first goal in English football late on before Healy scored on his Sunderland debut to win it for Keane’s men.
The Sunderland boss put a strong side out with Chimbonda restored to right back and Cisse handed a start up front. Sadly, Keane came out of the tie with a couple of injury worries going into the weekend.
Malbranque picked up a knock and was subbed on 19 minutes, while Cisse suffered cramp in his calf late on and Healy also came out of the game with a knock. Keane also revealed that Richardson was not fit to travel to the City Ground for the tie and he must also be a doubt going into the Man City game at the weekend.
West Ham made even harder work of their tie agianst League Tow Macclesfield. They had to rely on two extra time strikes from Cole, Hines and Reid to win by a flattering 4-1 margin. The Hammers were however just a quarter of an hour away from an embarrassing home defeat after another inept performance that will surely worry Curbishley going into the weekend. Bowyer eventually saved their skin with an equaliser in the 74 minute before they saw off Macclesfield who were reduced to ten men going into extra time.
Curbishley made a number of changes to the side that struggled at City on Sunday. He started with Sears up front with Cole rested after picking up a knock at the weekend. Neill was also left out with Behrami starting at right back while McCartney returned at left back. Mullins and Bowyer made their first starts of the season with Noble out of the 16 and Parker rested to the bench. Boa Morte also got a start on the left in place of Etherington.
The Hammers boss will have concerns about Behrami going into the weekend clash with Blackburn. He picked up a facial injury and was duly subbed after 27 minutes. Fantasy managers may also be concerned about the lack of form and confidence currently circulating at Upton Park. Dean Ashton has been a popular signing of late following his brace on day one of the season but he’ll need more support over the coming weeks if he is to repay his fantasy fee. Although he failed to find the net tonight he did strike the bar and provide two assists.