Bobby Convey was given the start as Reading crashed out against Eddie Johnson-less Cardiff City, while Clint Dempsey went the distance for Fulham against Frank Simek's Sheffield Wednesday.
Sheffield Wednesday 1- 2 Fulham
Clint Dempsey went the distance as Frank Simek continues to struggle with his hamstring injury. Fulham were forced to keep on the pressure as Wednesday gave the Cottagers a tough game.
Andy Johnson was played in by club captain Danny Murphy, splitting the defense to allow Johnson to slip the ball past Lee Grant after 12 minutes.
Defender Tommy Spurr decided to strike a 35 yard screamer that left Mark Schwarzer no hope, as the Owls drew level after 21 minutes played.
Dempsey did not have a quiet night, forcing two saves from Grant, but Erik Nevland was the one who made the difference. Nevland's cross found Johnson on hand to snatch the game winner two minutes before time.
James O'Connor received the only card in the match. Fulham next face Blackburn at Craven Cottage while Wednesday travel to Portman Road to take on Ipswich Town.
Gillingham 1 - 2 Aston Villa
Martin O'Niel was taking no chances, leaving senior goalkeeper Brad Friedel in the net to ensure their advancement into the fourth round.
Stilian Petrov proved to be a class apart just 13 minutes in as he pounced on a defensive error, stealing possession and teeing up James Milner with a perfect shot from 18 yards out to start the scoring.
Simeon Jackson was not subdued by Zat Knight towering over him as he used his speed to make the difference. Jackson was off and Knight was forced to let him run at Friedel generally unabridged and Jackon's shot bounced off of Friedel's near post and in after 57 minutes.
Ashley Young was brought down inside the box by Adam Miller and after a few minutes, Milner stepped up and netted his second of the night for the go-ahead goal came in the 79th minute.
Andy Barcham, Mark Bently, Simon King, and Stuart Lewis were booked for the Gills, with Curtis Davies and Nigel Reo-Coker being booked for Villa.
Villa will turn their attention to West Brom in the Premier League as they look to keep a hold of the fourth spot.
Macclesfield 0 - 1 Everton
Tim Howard did his bit as Leon Osman provided the rest, his rocket shot being too much for Macclesfield to handle.
Osman waited on top of the arc as Macclesfield cleared out Leighton Baines' cross. He settled with his chest, and struck the half volley right footed past Jon Brain. The 43rd minute effort gave the Toffees the birth into the fourth round they were looking for.
Everton, who drew Liverpool for the fourth round, next play Hull City at Goodison Park.
Watford 1 - 0 Scunthorpe
Jay DeMerit went the distance, as Grzegorz Rasiak continues to prove his worth to the Hornets.
Rasiak was in the right place at the right time, as Jobi McAnuff's out swinging corner was flicked on by Adrian Mariappa for Rasiak to poke in from close range in the 67th minute.
John O'Toole and Cliff Byrne were the only players booked in the match. Watford will travel to The Madjeski Stadium to face Reading in the Championship.
Cardiff City 2 - 0 Reading
Cardiff City thundered past Reading and into the fourth round of the FA Cup, but Royals' Bobby Convey was the only American on the field as both Eddie Johnson and Reading goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann failed to make the final roster.
Convey was on from the start, and lasted 74 minutes, being replaced by Simon Church. Convey had three looks at goal, none of which were able to beat Peter Enckelman.
Ross McCormack started the scoring in the 57th minute, finishing off of Roger Johnson's cross. Reading were trying to catch Johnson offside which allowed him to set up McCormack for his headed opener.
In the 83rd minute McCormack turned provider, sending Joe Ledley into the area to slot home the winner.
Andre Bikey was the only player booked in the match.
Reading will look to Jay DeMerit's Watford as they continue their push for promotion, while Cardiff face Derby and will look to extend their winning ways.
Notes
Jonathan Spector was unable to take the field, despite West Ham going 3-0 up with 22 minutes left against Barnsley.
Ian Joyce made the bench as Southend United scored a 90th minute equalizing goal to force a replay against Chelsea in the FA Cup.
Zak Whitbread did not take part of Millwall's 2-2 draw with Crewe Alexandra, forcing a replay. |
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