Arsenal 1-1 Tottenham
Theo Walcott scored a lucky equaliser as Arsenal held Tottenham in the first leg of their Carling Cup semi-final.
The ball rebounded off Walcott's body following Young-Pyo Lee's tackle and looped over Spurs keeper Radek Cerny.
Jermaine Jenas had put Tottenham in front, slotting home into virtually an empty net after Robbie Keane selflessly played him in with a square ball.
Spurs were the better side and Lukasz Fabianski made several good saves while Steed Malbranque missed from 14 yards.
It was a tough break for Spurs when Walcott equalised after the visiting team had created most of the decent openings.
Even so, Spurs might still have won the tie but substitute Jermain Defoe smashed the ball wide after Aaron Lennon played him in.
The result means that Tottenham's long wait for a victory over their north London rivals continues - their last came in November 1999 - but it leaves them well placed in the tie with the next leg at White Hart Lane.
In truth, it was a below-par performance by an Arsenal team comprised of a sprinkling of first-team regulars and talented youngsters.
The smooth, incisive football for which Arsene Wenger's team are so often heralded was largely absent on an evening when Tottenham seemed more fluid and dangerous in possession.
But the Gunners demonstrated the resilience that has ensured they have remained unbeaten at home all season by finding what appeared to be an unlikely equaliser.
Arsenal had fashioned the first real opening, with Radek Cerny, preferred in goal to Paul Robinson, making an athletic save to parry a header from Nicklas Bendtner.
But Tottenham had shown early signs that they could unlock the Arsenal defence and created several good chances before taking the lead.
Jamie O'Hara struck a free-kick narrowly wide, Malbranque shot wide from 14 yards and then missed the target with a header while the sublime Dimitar Berbatov, at the heart of so many impressive moves, forced Fabianski into a decent stop with a low-range strike.
Malbranque's first chance in particular was an excellent opportunity from which he should have scored.
The ball broke to him after Keane was dispossessed and the French midfielder had time to pick his spot but instead drilled the ball wide.
Tottenham scored the goal that their superiority deserved after 37 minutes when Berbatov played Keane through down the left and the striker passed for Jenas to tap home.
Jenas had another strike on target before a half-time break that must have been more welcome for the home team than Tottenham.
The visitors continued to hold a good shape after the interval and might have been gifted a second goal when Fabianski spilled a corner but thankfully for him the ball fell to one of his team-mates.
Keane drilled a shot wide as Tottenham pushed for a second.
The midfield became increasingly congested as Arsenal came back into the match and, after a relatively open first hour, decent openings were at a premium.
But Walcott scored his team's goal in front of watching England coach Fabio Capello after collecting Eduardo's though ball.
Replays suggested the ball hit Walcott on the hand but it all happened so quickly it would have been harsh to penalise the Arsenal forward.
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Thursday, January 10, 2008
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Chelsea 2-1 Everton, Carling Cup 08/01/2008
Chelsea 2-1 Everton
Everton defender Joleon Lescott scored an injury-time own goal to hand Chelsea the advantage after the first leg of their Carling Cup semi-final.
Lescott headed the ball into his own net as Shaun Wright-Phillips closed in.
The Chelsea winger had opened the scoring with a curling strike before Jon Mikel Obi was dismissed following a sliding tackle on Phil Neville.
Yakubu then equalised with a brilliant shot on the turn while James McFadden hit the post for Everton.
Chelsea were the better team for large phases of the match but, once Yakubu equalised shortly after Mikel's 64th-minute dismissal, Everton looked the team most likely to win a pulsating tie.
And even after Lescott, under pressure from the impressive Wright-Phillips, had put the ball into his own net Everton might have grabbed a second equaliser.
Lescott found himself through on goal and with a chance to almost immediately atone for his error but a heavy touch at a crucial moment saw the ball run away from him and Hilario was able to gather.
It was a far cry from the opening half, which Chelsea went on to dominate after Wright-Phillips struck with 25 minutes played.
Lee Carsley allowed Wright-Phillips to drift into the Everton area and the Chelsea winger turned sharply before finishing brilliantly after collecting a pass from Florent Malouda.
Everton all too often gave Chelsea too much time and space and Joe Cole almost scored after eluding Phil Jagielka before bursting through on goal.
Cole saw his shot smothered by Tim Howard but referee Peter Walton, having initially played an advantage, awarded Chelsea a free-kick for Jagielka's challenge and Michael Ballack missed by inches with a fizzing strike.
Everton looked relieved to reach the break without conceding again but Wright-Phillips was once more gifted far too much space a minute into the second half and forced another save from Howard.
Chelsea seemed intent on trying to establish a decisive first-leg advantage but their attacking ambitions were undermined when Mikel was dismissed for his tackle on Neville.
The Nigerian appeared intent on trying to win the ball but his studs were showing and Walton had no hesitation in dismissing the player.
Despite the sending-off Chelsea still managed to fashion a great opening but Claudio Pizarro, after collecting Wright-Phillips's superb through ball, failed to connect cleanly and within minutes Everton were level.
Yakubu, mostly absent for the first 64 minutes of the tie, brilliantly equalised after Joseph Yobo had hooked McFadden's free-kick back into the danger zone.
McFadden then hit the post from the tightest of angles after a mazy run down the left as Everton suddenly started to dominate.
But Lescott put the ball in his own net after he was caught stationary by Wright-Phillips at the far post.
Everton defender Joleon Lescott scored an injury-time own goal to hand Chelsea the advantage after the first leg of their Carling Cup semi-final.
Lescott headed the ball into his own net as Shaun Wright-Phillips closed in.
The Chelsea winger had opened the scoring with a curling strike before Jon Mikel Obi was dismissed following a sliding tackle on Phil Neville.
Yakubu then equalised with a brilliant shot on the turn while James McFadden hit the post for Everton.
Chelsea were the better team for large phases of the match but, once Yakubu equalised shortly after Mikel's 64th-minute dismissal, Everton looked the team most likely to win a pulsating tie.
And even after Lescott, under pressure from the impressive Wright-Phillips, had put the ball into his own net Everton might have grabbed a second equaliser.
Lescott found himself through on goal and with a chance to almost immediately atone for his error but a heavy touch at a crucial moment saw the ball run away from him and Hilario was able to gather.
It was a far cry from the opening half, which Chelsea went on to dominate after Wright-Phillips struck with 25 minutes played.
Lee Carsley allowed Wright-Phillips to drift into the Everton area and the Chelsea winger turned sharply before finishing brilliantly after collecting a pass from Florent Malouda.
Everton all too often gave Chelsea too much time and space and Joe Cole almost scored after eluding Phil Jagielka before bursting through on goal.
Cole saw his shot smothered by Tim Howard but referee Peter Walton, having initially played an advantage, awarded Chelsea a free-kick for Jagielka's challenge and Michael Ballack missed by inches with a fizzing strike.
Everton looked relieved to reach the break without conceding again but Wright-Phillips was once more gifted far too much space a minute into the second half and forced another save from Howard.
Chelsea seemed intent on trying to establish a decisive first-leg advantage but their attacking ambitions were undermined when Mikel was dismissed for his tackle on Neville.
The Nigerian appeared intent on trying to win the ball but his studs were showing and Walton had no hesitation in dismissing the player.
Despite the sending-off Chelsea still managed to fashion a great opening but Claudio Pizarro, after collecting Wright-Phillips's superb through ball, failed to connect cleanly and within minutes Everton were level.
Yakubu, mostly absent for the first 64 minutes of the tie, brilliantly equalised after Joseph Yobo had hooked McFadden's free-kick back into the danger zone.
McFadden then hit the post from the tightest of angles after a mazy run down the left as Everton suddenly started to dominate.
But Lescott put the ball in his own net after he was caught stationary by Wright-Phillips at the far post.
Monday, January 7, 2008
Stoke 0-0 Newcastle 06/01/2008
Stoke 0-0 Newcastle
Highlights: Click Here
Stoke City forced an FA Cup third-round replay against Premiership Newcastle after an absorbing draw.
The game lacked quality and only came to life in the second period with the Potters unlucky not to have taken the lead through substitute Jon Parkin.
But for Steven Taylor's heroic block on the goal-line, the lofty striker would have scored with his first touch.
Stoke survived a goal scramble after Taylor had hit the post and now travel to St James' Park a week on Wednesday.
A voracious home support, the presence of the BBC television cameras and facing a side packed with strapping six-footers would have had Sam Allardyce and his players fearing another Cup upset.
But the Magpies, beaten in their last three matches, hung on with some heroic defending and denied the hosts a deserved victory.
The visitors enjoyed the best of the first-half chances with Mark Viduka firing straight at Steve Simonsen from the edge of the box and Charles N'Zogbia stinging the hands of the Geordie-born keeper with a rasping drive from 20 yards.
Michael Owen, making his first FA Cup appearance in a black and white shirt, failed to take advantage of Ryan Shawcross' error, fluffing his lifted shot from close range.
Abdoulaye Faye and Taylor coped admirably with the sizeable threats of Mamady Sidibe and Ricardo Fuller.
But despite controlling possession, they seldom pressed home their superiority and were again short of invention and creativity.
Stoke, too, squandered possession and took until the 44th minute to muster a decent chance.
Liam Lawrence placed a 25-yard free-kick a yard wide of the post with Shay Given scrambling to his left.
The Potters, full of running and passion, pressed in the second half with the inspired introduction of Parkin almost reaping immediate rewards.
With his first touch, the centre forward almost broke the deadlock with a low placed effort after fine work from Fuller.
From the resulting corner Parkin again made a nuisance of himself, presenting a half chance for Richard Cresswell who should have made better contact with his acrobatic flick.
Taylor then blocked Fuller's long-range drive as the home side sensed a winner in the lashing rain.
Newcastle could have stolen a win at the death but Andrew Carroll's stretched shot deflected into the side netting.
Highlights: Click Here
Stoke City forced an FA Cup third-round replay against Premiership Newcastle after an absorbing draw.
The game lacked quality and only came to life in the second period with the Potters unlucky not to have taken the lead through substitute Jon Parkin.
But for Steven Taylor's heroic block on the goal-line, the lofty striker would have scored with his first touch.
Stoke survived a goal scramble after Taylor had hit the post and now travel to St James' Park a week on Wednesday.
A voracious home support, the presence of the BBC television cameras and facing a side packed with strapping six-footers would have had Sam Allardyce and his players fearing another Cup upset.
But the Magpies, beaten in their last three matches, hung on with some heroic defending and denied the hosts a deserved victory.
The visitors enjoyed the best of the first-half chances with Mark Viduka firing straight at Steve Simonsen from the edge of the box and Charles N'Zogbia stinging the hands of the Geordie-born keeper with a rasping drive from 20 yards.
Michael Owen, making his first FA Cup appearance in a black and white shirt, failed to take advantage of Ryan Shawcross' error, fluffing his lifted shot from close range.
Abdoulaye Faye and Taylor coped admirably with the sizeable threats of Mamady Sidibe and Ricardo Fuller.
But despite controlling possession, they seldom pressed home their superiority and were again short of invention and creativity.
Stoke, too, squandered possession and took until the 44th minute to muster a decent chance.
Liam Lawrence placed a 25-yard free-kick a yard wide of the post with Shay Given scrambling to his left.
The Potters, full of running and passion, pressed in the second half with the inspired introduction of Parkin almost reaping immediate rewards.
With his first touch, the centre forward almost broke the deadlock with a low placed effort after fine work from Fuller.
From the resulting corner Parkin again made a nuisance of himself, presenting a half chance for Richard Cresswell who should have made better contact with his acrobatic flick.
Taylor then blocked Fuller's long-range drive as the home side sensed a winner in the lashing rain.
Newcastle could have stolen a win at the death but Andrew Carroll's stretched shot deflected into the side netting.
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Luton 1-1 Liverpool 06/01/2208
Luton 1-1 Liverpool
Embattled Luton put in a superb performance against a weakened Liverpool team to earn a third-round replay at Anfield on Tuesday week.
The League One side were the better team in the first-half but could not convert their pressure into goals.
But Peter Crouch's simple finish gave Liverpool a second-half lead under the gaze of England manager Fabio Capello.
Yet Luton fought on and were rewarded when John Arne Riise bundled into his own goal from Drew Talbot's cross.
With the debt-laden Hatters in administration and looking for a buyer, and with many players unpaid in recent months, this FA Cup tie was a chance to briefly forget their woes.
Yet within 30 seconds Ryan Babel jinked into the penalty area to shoot low and hard, forcing a superb stop from Luton keeper Dean Brill.
Luton quickly regrouped and rarely looked like a team languishing in the League One relegation zone as they took the game to Liverpool.
Their first chance game when Steve Finnan played David Edwards onside but, one-on-one, Liverpool keeper Charles Itandje made an impressive stop from the Luton forward.
The Reds, not looking their forceful best without Steven Gerrard, did create chances and Dirk Kuyt should have done better than sky the ball over the bar after a neat one-two with Peter Crouch.
As the first-half wore on, Crouch got little chance to impress new England boss Fabio Capello with Luton stretching Liverpool all over the pitch and having the better of possession.
The energetic Drew Talbot was at the heart of their pressure but, finding himself in an inviting shooting position on 37 minutes after Steve Finnan's error, he screwed the ball lamely wide.
At half-time Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez tweaked his formation to a 4-3-3, pushing Babel closer to the front two and freeing Yossi Benayoun in midfield.
This change had an immediate impact as Xabi Alonso found Kuyt out on the right and his drilled cross shot
Luton survived another scare moments later with Brill making a good reaction stop after John Arne Riise's drive was deflected across the path of his dive.
The Hatters had a glorious chance to make a breakthrough on 54 minutes with Darren Currie chipping a cross in only for the unmarked Talbot to head over from three yards.
But calamitous Luton defending high up the pitch on 72 minutes let substitute Andriy Voronin break free and, though his shot was saved by Brill, Peter Crouch fired home the rebound.
Minutes later Luton deservedly got their goal as the unremitting Talbot whipped in a cross from the left by-line for John Arne Riise, under pressure from David Edwards, to bundle into his own goal.
Riise should have scored the winner soon after but flashed a left-foot shot narrowly wide of Brill's post and Edwards went close for Luton with a dipping volley.
Embattled Luton put in a superb performance against a weakened Liverpool team to earn a third-round replay at Anfield on Tuesday week.
The League One side were the better team in the first-half but could not convert their pressure into goals.
But Peter Crouch's simple finish gave Liverpool a second-half lead under the gaze of England manager Fabio Capello.
Yet Luton fought on and were rewarded when John Arne Riise bundled into his own goal from Drew Talbot's cross.
With the debt-laden Hatters in administration and looking for a buyer, and with many players unpaid in recent months, this FA Cup tie was a chance to briefly forget their woes.
Yet within 30 seconds Ryan Babel jinked into the penalty area to shoot low and hard, forcing a superb stop from Luton keeper Dean Brill.
Luton quickly regrouped and rarely looked like a team languishing in the League One relegation zone as they took the game to Liverpool.
Their first chance game when Steve Finnan played David Edwards onside but, one-on-one, Liverpool keeper Charles Itandje made an impressive stop from the Luton forward.
The Reds, not looking their forceful best without Steven Gerrard, did create chances and Dirk Kuyt should have done better than sky the ball over the bar after a neat one-two with Peter Crouch.
As the first-half wore on, Crouch got little chance to impress new England boss Fabio Capello with Luton stretching Liverpool all over the pitch and having the better of possession.
The energetic Drew Talbot was at the heart of their pressure but, finding himself in an inviting shooting position on 37 minutes after Steve Finnan's error, he screwed the ball lamely wide.
At half-time Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez tweaked his formation to a 4-3-3, pushing Babel closer to the front two and freeing Yossi Benayoun in midfield.
This change had an immediate impact as Xabi Alonso found Kuyt out on the right and his drilled cross shot
Luton survived another scare moments later with Brill making a good reaction stop after John Arne Riise's drive was deflected across the path of his dive.
The Hatters had a glorious chance to make a breakthrough on 54 minutes with Darren Currie chipping a cross in only for the unmarked Talbot to head over from three yards.
But calamitous Luton defending high up the pitch on 72 minutes let substitute Andriy Voronin break free and, though his shot was saved by Brill, Peter Crouch fired home the rebound.
Minutes later Luton deservedly got their goal as the unremitting Talbot whipped in a cross from the left by-line for John Arne Riise, under pressure from David Edwards, to bundle into his own goal.
Riise should have scored the winner soon after but flashed a left-foot shot narrowly wide of Brill's post and Edwards went close for Luton with a dipping volley.
Burnley 0-2 Arsenal FA CUP 06/08/2008
Burnley 0-2 Arsenal
Arsenal progressed into the fourth round of the FA Cup but they were given a tough time by a brave Burnley side.
Kyle Lafferty's header hit the bar for the hosts before Eduardo slotted home.
Robbie Blake and Chris McCann fired over as Burnley rallied but James O'Connor had to hack off the line to clear Gilberto's deflected header.
Lafferty saw red for a foul on Gilberto on the hour and though the Clarets battled away, Nicklas Bendtner sealed the win after Eduardo played him in.
Burnley will now turn their thoughts towards improving their recent poor form in the Championship.
But they will wonder what might have been after giving the Premier League readers more than a run for their money with a performance that evoked memories of their shock third-round win over Liverpool in 2005.
They could have been in front as early as the sixth minute, when Lafferty's firm header from Andy Gray's cross beat the recalled Jens Lehmann before bouncing back down off the woodwork.
Eduardo made the Clarets pay by tapping past Gabor Kiraly for his sixth goal in four games after Kolo Toure's excellent defence-splitting chipped pass.
The home side showed tremendous spirit, and no shortage of style, as they took the game to their more illustrious opponents.
Blake was at the heart of most of their crisp passing movements and gave the Gunners another scare when he fired just over.
The danger of a swift Arsenal counter-attack was always present, however, and it needed a desperate clearance from O'Connor when Gilberto's header from Denilson's corner was deflected goalwards by the outstanding Jon Harley.
Burnley could have gone in level had McCann been more accurate from inside the box when Armand Traore could not control a deep cross from the impressive Lafferty.
Arsenal, while never on the rack, could have had some breathing space in the 50th minute when Bendtner's flicked pass put Eduardo clear but, by his own high standards, the prolific Croatia star shot surprisingly wide.
That actually came in the middle of another spell of Burnley pressure, in which Blake, Lafferty and Wade Elliott were regularly finding space to trouble the visitors' back four.
McCann lost his marker to head Blake's free-kick over from six yards and the warning signs were there for the Gunners.
But Lafferty's afternoon was over on the hour when he raised his studs while sliding in for a tackle on Gilberto and referee Alan Wiley pulled out the red card without hesitation.
Somehow, it seemed to inspire Burnley and, if anything, they poured forward with even more purpose, with O'Connor, Blake and Elliott buzzing all over the place.
Philippe Senderos had to be at his best to prevent Gray from getting to Elliott's teasing cross.
It proved crucial as soon after Eduardo's simple yet devastating pass was weighted perfectly for Bendtner to take the ball wide of Kiraly and finish the game as a contest with 15 minutes left.
Eduardo could have added some gloss to the scoreline moments later but Kiraly thwarted him.
A third goal would have been desperately harsh on a Burnley side that acquitted itself admirably.
Arsenal progressed into the fourth round of the FA Cup but they were given a tough time by a brave Burnley side.
Kyle Lafferty's header hit the bar for the hosts before Eduardo slotted home.
Robbie Blake and Chris McCann fired over as Burnley rallied but James O'Connor had to hack off the line to clear Gilberto's deflected header.
Lafferty saw red for a foul on Gilberto on the hour and though the Clarets battled away, Nicklas Bendtner sealed the win after Eduardo played him in.
Burnley will now turn their thoughts towards improving their recent poor form in the Championship.
But they will wonder what might have been after giving the Premier League readers more than a run for their money with a performance that evoked memories of their shock third-round win over Liverpool in 2005.
They could have been in front as early as the sixth minute, when Lafferty's firm header from Andy Gray's cross beat the recalled Jens Lehmann before bouncing back down off the woodwork.
Eduardo made the Clarets pay by tapping past Gabor Kiraly for his sixth goal in four games after Kolo Toure's excellent defence-splitting chipped pass.
The home side showed tremendous spirit, and no shortage of style, as they took the game to their more illustrious opponents.
Blake was at the heart of most of their crisp passing movements and gave the Gunners another scare when he fired just over.
The danger of a swift Arsenal counter-attack was always present, however, and it needed a desperate clearance from O'Connor when Gilberto's header from Denilson's corner was deflected goalwards by the outstanding Jon Harley.
Burnley could have gone in level had McCann been more accurate from inside the box when Armand Traore could not control a deep cross from the impressive Lafferty.
Arsenal, while never on the rack, could have had some breathing space in the 50th minute when Bendtner's flicked pass put Eduardo clear but, by his own high standards, the prolific Croatia star shot surprisingly wide.
That actually came in the middle of another spell of Burnley pressure, in which Blake, Lafferty and Wade Elliott were regularly finding space to trouble the visitors' back four.
McCann lost his marker to head Blake's free-kick over from six yards and the warning signs were there for the Gunners.
But Lafferty's afternoon was over on the hour when he raised his studs while sliding in for a tackle on Gilberto and referee Alan Wiley pulled out the red card without hesitation.
Somehow, it seemed to inspire Burnley and, if anything, they poured forward with even more purpose, with O'Connor, Blake and Elliott buzzing all over the place.
Philippe Senderos had to be at his best to prevent Gray from getting to Elliott's teasing cross.
It proved crucial as soon after Eduardo's simple yet devastating pass was weighted perfectly for Bendtner to take the ball wide of Kiraly and finish the game as a contest with 15 minutes left.
Eduardo could have added some gloss to the scoreline moments later but Kiraly thwarted him.
A third goal would have been desperately harsh on a Burnley side that acquitted itself admirably.
Fulham 2-2 Bristol Rovers
Fulham 2-2 Bristol Rovers
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Fulham twice had to come from behind to force a replay with League One strugglers Bristol Rovers.
Danny Coles' right foot drive gave the visitors a shock lead inside three minutes, but David Healey headed Fulham level five minutes before half-time.
Against the run of play, Rovers regained the lead after the interval thanks to Craig Hinton's header.
But Danny Murphy spared the Premiership side's blushes with a rasping effort to force a replay on Tuesday week.
Both sides searched for a winner in a pulsating finish to this cup tie, but Rovers will be happiest with the result after defending for large parts of the game.
The 7,000 travelling fans greeted the final whistle with a huge roar as Fulham's supporters, who have not seen their team win in 10 games, booed their team from the pitch.
The visitors stunned their Premiership hosts inside three minutes as Danny Coles beat Antti Niemi with a right foot drive.
Fulham, who currently sit 19th in the Premiership, looked nervy and struggled to break down a resilient Rovers side, who seemed buoyed by their early breakthrough.
Clint Dempsey did put the ball in the back of the net with a header on 10 minutes, but it was ruled out for a foul on Rovers defender Steve Elliot by Dejan Stefanovic.
Fulham's American striker then headed straight at Steve Phillips and saw his shot deflected into the arms of the opposing goalkeeper as the home side searched for an equaliser.
Hameur Bouazza, returning from a one-match ban, lasted just 25 minutes as he was replaced by Chris Baird after sustaining an arm injury, before David Healey saw his appeals for a penalty turned down after tumbling on the edge of the area
Both Healey and Paul Konchesky shot wide but, five minutes before half-time, the Northern Ireland international levelled the scores.
A poor clearance by Aaron Lescott was helped back in by Moritz Volz and Healey, unmarked, scored from inside the six yard box.
The goal seemed to fill Fulham with more confidence and Phillips saved well from Healey, before making a good save from Alexey Smertin's 25-yard curler.
The Cottagers were far more confident in the second-half and after a slick move Dempsey's shot was saved low by Phillips, before a great tackle from Hinton denied the American a shot on goal after he turned well in the box.
But midway through the second period Rovers retook the lead against the run of play to once again stun Fulham and silence the home fans.
Chris lines' cross was met well by Hinton who rose unmarked eight yards out to head in his side's second goal of the afternoon.
However, their lead lasted just 10 minutes as Danny Murphy fired the home side level.
Steven Davis, with his first touch after replacing Alexey Smertin, played ball forward and Healey's knock down was hammered home emphatically by Murphy from 20 yards.
Fulham piled on the pressure in search of an equaliser but it was Rovers who finished the strongest as they earned a replay at the Memorial Ground on Tuesday 15 January.
[video]
Fulham twice had to come from behind to force a replay with League One strugglers Bristol Rovers.
Danny Coles' right foot drive gave the visitors a shock lead inside three minutes, but David Healey headed Fulham level five minutes before half-time.
Against the run of play, Rovers regained the lead after the interval thanks to Craig Hinton's header.
But Danny Murphy spared the Premiership side's blushes with a rasping effort to force a replay on Tuesday week.
Both sides searched for a winner in a pulsating finish to this cup tie, but Rovers will be happiest with the result after defending for large parts of the game.
The 7,000 travelling fans greeted the final whistle with a huge roar as Fulham's supporters, who have not seen their team win in 10 games, booed their team from the pitch.
The visitors stunned their Premiership hosts inside three minutes as Danny Coles beat Antti Niemi with a right foot drive.
Fulham, who currently sit 19th in the Premiership, looked nervy and struggled to break down a resilient Rovers side, who seemed buoyed by their early breakthrough.
Clint Dempsey did put the ball in the back of the net with a header on 10 minutes, but it was ruled out for a foul on Rovers defender Steve Elliot by Dejan Stefanovic.
Fulham's American striker then headed straight at Steve Phillips and saw his shot deflected into the arms of the opposing goalkeeper as the home side searched for an equaliser.
Hameur Bouazza, returning from a one-match ban, lasted just 25 minutes as he was replaced by Chris Baird after sustaining an arm injury, before David Healey saw his appeals for a penalty turned down after tumbling on the edge of the area
Both Healey and Paul Konchesky shot wide but, five minutes before half-time, the Northern Ireland international levelled the scores.
A poor clearance by Aaron Lescott was helped back in by Moritz Volz and Healey, unmarked, scored from inside the six yard box.
The goal seemed to fill Fulham with more confidence and Phillips saved well from Healey, before making a good save from Alexey Smertin's 25-yard curler.
The Cottagers were far more confident in the second-half and after a slick move Dempsey's shot was saved low by Phillips, before a great tackle from Hinton denied the American a shot on goal after he turned well in the box.
But midway through the second period Rovers retook the lead against the run of play to once again stun Fulham and silence the home fans.
Chris lines' cross was met well by Hinton who rose unmarked eight yards out to head in his side's second goal of the afternoon.
However, their lead lasted just 10 minutes as Danny Murphy fired the home side level.
Steven Davis, with his first touch after replacing Alexey Smertin, played ball forward and Healey's knock down was hammered home emphatically by Murphy from 20 yards.
Fulham piled on the pressure in search of an equaliser but it was Rovers who finished the strongest as they earned a replay at the Memorial Ground on Tuesday 15 January.
Derby 2-2 Sheff Wed 06/01/2008
Derby 2-2 Sheff Wed
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Derby came back from two goals down to earn an FA Cup third-round replay against Sheffield Wednesday.
The Owls went two up after Mark Beevers' speculative volley squirmed under Lewis Price and Marcus Tudgay pounced on Darren Moore's poor header.
Kenny Miller pulled one back with a delightful control and finish and Giles Barnes drew the hosts level with a fizzing left-foot volley.
Derby dominated in the second half but Wednesday held on for a deserved draw.
If former Owls boss Paul Jewell thought new signing Danny Mills would shore up his leaky defence, he may have to dip back into the transfer market to find another defender.
And the error-prone Rams were fortunate to face the Championship strugglers who had plenty of defensive frailties of their own.
The Premier League's basement club started sluggishly and were all too often caught pondering in possession by a sprightly Wednesday side.
After just seven minutes, Derby were made to pay for their slow start, albeit through a huge slice of fortune.
Beevers' speculative effort from 25 yards somehow squeezed under Price and bobbled over the line.
It was an horrendous gaffe that would be matched by his centre-back Moore 15 minutes later.
The veteran defender misjudged his backward header, leaving Tudgay to latch on to the loose ball and clinically slot past Lewis from close in.
The few home supporters at Pride Park were as stunned as their players and, but for shambolic defending from the visitors, the game could have been made safe by the break.
But the excellent Miller went close on two occasions before eventually finding the net on 37 minutes.
Craig Fagan's chipped cross from the right found the Scot whose wonderful control with his chest created the time and space for a drilled low shot that flew past Grant.
As good as Miller's touch and finish was, three Owls defenders failed to get the crucial block that should have prevented the shot.
Two minutes from half-time, Derby drew level after more dreadful defending.
Wednesday failed to deal with a Fagan corner leaving Moore to head back for Barnes who struck a left foot half volley through a crowd of players into the bottom corner.
Derby improved marginally after the break with Mills chipping a cross to the back post for Michael Johnson who looped his header narrowly wide.
Gary Teale forced a fine save from Grant with a close-range volley from Eddie Lewis's precise cross from the left.
The game became stretched in the closing 20 minutes but despite dominating possession, the Rams failed to find a winner.
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Derby came back from two goals down to earn an FA Cup third-round replay against Sheffield Wednesday.
The Owls went two up after Mark Beevers' speculative volley squirmed under Lewis Price and Marcus Tudgay pounced on Darren Moore's poor header.
Kenny Miller pulled one back with a delightful control and finish and Giles Barnes drew the hosts level with a fizzing left-foot volley.
Derby dominated in the second half but Wednesday held on for a deserved draw.
If former Owls boss Paul Jewell thought new signing Danny Mills would shore up his leaky defence, he may have to dip back into the transfer market to find another defender.
And the error-prone Rams were fortunate to face the Championship strugglers who had plenty of defensive frailties of their own.
The Premier League's basement club started sluggishly and were all too often caught pondering in possession by a sprightly Wednesday side.
After just seven minutes, Derby were made to pay for their slow start, albeit through a huge slice of fortune.
Beevers' speculative effort from 25 yards somehow squeezed under Price and bobbled over the line.
It was an horrendous gaffe that would be matched by his centre-back Moore 15 minutes later.
The veteran defender misjudged his backward header, leaving Tudgay to latch on to the loose ball and clinically slot past Lewis from close in.
The few home supporters at Pride Park were as stunned as their players and, but for shambolic defending from the visitors, the game could have been made safe by the break.
But the excellent Miller went close on two occasions before eventually finding the net on 37 minutes.
Craig Fagan's chipped cross from the right found the Scot whose wonderful control with his chest created the time and space for a drilled low shot that flew past Grant.
As good as Miller's touch and finish was, three Owls defenders failed to get the crucial block that should have prevented the shot.
Two minutes from half-time, Derby drew level after more dreadful defending.
Wednesday failed to deal with a Fagan corner leaving Moore to head back for Barnes who struck a left foot half volley through a crowd of players into the bottom corner.
Derby improved marginally after the break with Mills chipping a cross to the back post for Michael Johnson who looped his header narrowly wide.
Gary Teale forced a fine save from Grant with a close-range volley from Eddie Lewis's precise cross from the left.
The game became stretched in the closing 20 minutes but despite dominating possession, the Rams failed to find a winner.
Rangers 2-0 Dundee United 05/01/2008
Rangers 2-0 Dundee United
Rangers went a point clear of inactive Celtic at the top of the Scottish Premier League with an efficient victory over Dundee United.
Slack marking allowed Steven Naismith to head home from eight yards after nine minutes from a Chris Burke cross.
A Burke drive flew just wide and an Alan Hutton header struck the bar.
But the second came via a Barry Ferguson head flick just before the break and Rangers could afford a late missed penalty from Kris Boyd.
Those two first-half strikes were enough to ensure that Rangers went ahead of Celtic at the top of the SPL with a game in hand.
And they did so without United forcing a save from goalkeeper Allan McGregor.
Fit-again Charlie Adam and Nacho Novo had to make do with places on the bench for an unchanged Rangers, while Lee McCulloch missed out despite being free from suspension because of a calf strain.
Euan McLean replaced the injured Grzegorz Szamotulski in United's goal, while on-loan Leicester striker Eric Odhiambo made his first start at the expense of David Robertson.
It was a cagey start as both sides attempted to find their feet on the sodden Ibrox surface.
But Rangers burst into life with a superb passing movement that led to the opening goal.
However, United ought to have had Naismith more closely marked as the forward headed home from eight yards following Burke's cross.
The match became scrappy, with United having the better of the possession until Burke fired in a 20-yard drive that McLean turned wide for a corner from which Alan Hutton sent a header off the top of the crossbar.
Rangers' second eventually arrived after 39 minutes when Ferguson flicked on a Burke cross into the penalty box and the ball flew into the far corner.
There appeared to be a suspicion of offside as Naismith and Daniel Cousin were between Ferguson and goalkeeper McLean.
But, after consulting his assistant, referee Mike McCurry allowed the goal to stand.
Rangers started brightly after the break and a flowing move gave Cousin a chance to extend the lead.
But the big striker took the ball too far wide after trying to round the goalkeeper and the chance was lost.
Substitute Boyd was denied when his drive struck his own captain, Ferguson, who then had an effort blocked by McLean.
Boyd also had a penalty saved by McLean after a push on fellow replacement Novo by Willo Flood.
McLean produced two more fine stops to deny Boyd and Ferguson as Rangers finished in impressive style in the Ibrox mud.
But two goals were enough to give manager Walter Smith a happy start to the new year.
Rangers went a point clear of inactive Celtic at the top of the Scottish Premier League with an efficient victory over Dundee United.
Slack marking allowed Steven Naismith to head home from eight yards after nine minutes from a Chris Burke cross.
A Burke drive flew just wide and an Alan Hutton header struck the bar.
But the second came via a Barry Ferguson head flick just before the break and Rangers could afford a late missed penalty from Kris Boyd.
Those two first-half strikes were enough to ensure that Rangers went ahead of Celtic at the top of the SPL with a game in hand.
And they did so without United forcing a save from goalkeeper Allan McGregor.
Fit-again Charlie Adam and Nacho Novo had to make do with places on the bench for an unchanged Rangers, while Lee McCulloch missed out despite being free from suspension because of a calf strain.
Euan McLean replaced the injured Grzegorz Szamotulski in United's goal, while on-loan Leicester striker Eric Odhiambo made his first start at the expense of David Robertson.
It was a cagey start as both sides attempted to find their feet on the sodden Ibrox surface.
But Rangers burst into life with a superb passing movement that led to the opening goal.
However, United ought to have had Naismith more closely marked as the forward headed home from eight yards following Burke's cross.
The match became scrappy, with United having the better of the possession until Burke fired in a 20-yard drive that McLean turned wide for a corner from which Alan Hutton sent a header off the top of the crossbar.
Rangers' second eventually arrived after 39 minutes when Ferguson flicked on a Burke cross into the penalty box and the ball flew into the far corner.
There appeared to be a suspicion of offside as Naismith and Daniel Cousin were between Ferguson and goalkeeper McLean.
But, after consulting his assistant, referee Mike McCurry allowed the goal to stand.
Rangers started brightly after the break and a flowing move gave Cousin a chance to extend the lead.
But the big striker took the ball too far wide after trying to round the goalkeeper and the chance was lost.
Substitute Boyd was denied when his drive struck his own captain, Ferguson, who then had an effort blocked by McLean.
Boyd also had a penalty saved by McLean after a push on fellow replacement Novo by Willo Flood.
McLean produced two more fine stops to deny Boyd and Ferguson as Rangers finished in impressive style in the Ibrox mud.
But two goals were enough to give manager Walter Smith a happy start to the new year.
Southampton 2-0 Leicester 05/01/2008
Southampton 2-0 Leicester
Andrew Surman and Gregory Vignal scored in the first half to book Southampton's passage into the FA Cup fourth round.
Steve Howard twice went close for the Foxes either side of Surman's strike from the edge of the penalty area.
And Vignal crashed home a free-kick from similar distance to put Saints in control, which they never let go of.
Bradley Wright-Phillips almost made it 3-0 and though Howard and Alan Sheehan forced saves from Kelvin Davis, Saints were comfortable winners in the end.
It was the second time in three years that Leicester fell to the same opposition in the Cup and their defeat continues the struggles they have been enduring in the Championship.
New Foxes signing Howard saw an early effort pushed aside by goalkeeper Kelvin Davis but his team went a goal down when Jason Euell laid the ball off to Surman and he found the bottom right corner.
Howard somehow cleared the bar when he connected with Sheehan's inswinging corner and it was 2-0 when Patrick Kisnorbo brought down Grzegorz Rasiak just outside the area, and Vignal slammed the set-piece hard and low past Paul Henderson into the bottom left corner.
Euell and Adam Hammill headed wide after the break, before Howard tested Davis again the Southampton keeper produced a better save to deny Sheehan when he met Iain Hume's cross.
Saints still created the better chances and Wright-Phillips saw an effort kept out by Henderson as they eased home.
Andrew Surman and Gregory Vignal scored in the first half to book Southampton's passage into the FA Cup fourth round.
Steve Howard twice went close for the Foxes either side of Surman's strike from the edge of the penalty area.
And Vignal crashed home a free-kick from similar distance to put Saints in control, which they never let go of.
Bradley Wright-Phillips almost made it 3-0 and though Howard and Alan Sheehan forced saves from Kelvin Davis, Saints were comfortable winners in the end.
It was the second time in three years that Leicester fell to the same opposition in the Cup and their defeat continues the struggles they have been enduring in the Championship.
New Foxes signing Howard saw an early effort pushed aside by goalkeeper Kelvin Davis but his team went a goal down when Jason Euell laid the ball off to Surman and he found the bottom right corner.
Howard somehow cleared the bar when he connected with Sheehan's inswinging corner and it was 2-0 when Patrick Kisnorbo brought down Grzegorz Rasiak just outside the area, and Vignal slammed the set-piece hard and low past Paul Henderson into the bottom left corner.
Euell and Adam Hammill headed wide after the break, before Howard tested Davis again the Southampton keeper produced a better save to deny Sheehan when he met Iain Hume's cross.
Saints still created the better chances and Wright-Phillips saw an effort kept out by Henderson as they eased home.
Everton 0-1 Oldham 05/01/2008
Everton 0-1 Oldham
League One Oldham stunned Premier League high-fliers Everton with a deserved FA Cup third-round win.
Gary McDonald's spectacular 25-yard strike seconds before half-time capped a superb display of resilience and effort from John Sheridan's side.
James Vaughan and James McFadden wasted early chances to put Everton ahead.
Oldham held Everton at bay with relative ease after the break, although substitute Yakubu hit the post with only seconds remaining.
Everton boss David Moyes made a host of changes and arguably could take a large share of responsibility for this massive shock.
Moyes's men started brightly, but their early attacking endeavours soon faded in the face of Oldham's stubborn resistance.
Steven Pienaar played in Vaughan in the opening minute, but the vastly experienced Oldham keeper Mark Crossley plunged at his feet to save.
McFadden then shot narrowly wide after a good link with Vaughan as Everton, sixth in the Premier League, pressed for an early advantage.
But Oldham played their way into the game and Craig Davies should have done better than mis-kick in front of goal after 27 minutes as Everton's reserve keeper Stefan Wessels struggled to collect a cross.
Wessels was then forced to dive to his left to save from Deane Smalley as Oldham enjoyed a period of supremacy.
But they survived an escape three minutes before the interval when McFadden's shot was smuggled away as Everton threatened.
And they took advantage in spectacular style on the stroke of half-time, when McDonald found time and space to send a dipping left-foot shot over Wessels.
Everton were making few inroads into the Oldham defence after the break and it was no surprise when Moyes made a double change on the hour.
Yayubu and Victor Anichebe replaced Vaughan and the disappointing Thomas Gravesen.
And it was Yakubu who came closest to rescuing Everton, firing against an upright with virtually the final kick of the game.
League One Oldham stunned Premier League high-fliers Everton with a deserved FA Cup third-round win.
Gary McDonald's spectacular 25-yard strike seconds before half-time capped a superb display of resilience and effort from John Sheridan's side.
James Vaughan and James McFadden wasted early chances to put Everton ahead.
Oldham held Everton at bay with relative ease after the break, although substitute Yakubu hit the post with only seconds remaining.
Everton boss David Moyes made a host of changes and arguably could take a large share of responsibility for this massive shock.
Moyes's men started brightly, but their early attacking endeavours soon faded in the face of Oldham's stubborn resistance.
Steven Pienaar played in Vaughan in the opening minute, but the vastly experienced Oldham keeper Mark Crossley plunged at his feet to save.
McFadden then shot narrowly wide after a good link with Vaughan as Everton, sixth in the Premier League, pressed for an early advantage.
But Oldham played their way into the game and Craig Davies should have done better than mis-kick in front of goal after 27 minutes as Everton's reserve keeper Stefan Wessels struggled to collect a cross.
Wessels was then forced to dive to his left to save from Deane Smalley as Oldham enjoyed a period of supremacy.
But they survived an escape three minutes before the interval when McFadden's shot was smuggled away as Everton threatened.
And they took advantage in spectacular style on the stroke of half-time, when McDonald found time and space to send a dipping left-foot shot over Wessels.
Everton were making few inroads into the Oldham defence after the break and it was no surprise when Moyes made a double change on the hour.
Yayubu and Victor Anichebe replaced Vaughan and the disappointing Thomas Gravesen.
And it was Yakubu who came closest to rescuing Everton, firing against an upright with virtually the final kick of the game.
Sunderland 0-3 Wigan 05/01/2008
Sunderland 0-3 Wigan
Wigan boss Steve Bruce fielded a much-changed side but knocked former Manchester United team-mate Roy Keane's Sunderland out of the FA Cup.
Paul Scharner was left unmarked to give the visitors a half-time lead when he headed in Josip Skoko's free-kick.
Jonny Evans's poor back-pass let in Julius Agahowa and as he ran through on goal, Paul McShane tried to clear but put the ball past his own goalkeeper.
Dave Cotterill later made it 3-0 with a beautifully struck effort.
Keane had pledged to field his strongest possible side, but still made five changes after his squad were hit by injuries and suspensions.
But Bruce rang the changes even more, only naming four of the players from the midweek 1-1 draw with Liverpool in his starting line-up - and two of those, Ryan Taylor and Emile Heskey, went off injured during the game.
Scharner's opener was one of very few first-half chances, as Sunderland's inexperienced front pairing of Daryl Murphy and Martyn Waghorn were left isolated up front.
But soon after McShane and Nyron Nosworthy had collided with each other when they tried to clear the same ball, the Black Cats' defence was called into question once more as Evans played his team-mates into trouble.
Substitute Andy Cole set up Murphy who went close to pulling one back for the Wearsiders, but his deflected shot sailed wide.
There was no way back for the home side after Wales international Cotterill's third, and although Roy O'Donovan clipped the bar with a late overhead kick, it will have been little consolation for four-time FA Cup winner Keane.
Wigan boss Steve Bruce fielded a much-changed side but knocked former Manchester United team-mate Roy Keane's Sunderland out of the FA Cup.
Paul Scharner was left unmarked to give the visitors a half-time lead when he headed in Josip Skoko's free-kick.
Jonny Evans's poor back-pass let in Julius Agahowa and as he ran through on goal, Paul McShane tried to clear but put the ball past his own goalkeeper.
Dave Cotterill later made it 3-0 with a beautifully struck effort.
Keane had pledged to field his strongest possible side, but still made five changes after his squad were hit by injuries and suspensions.
But Bruce rang the changes even more, only naming four of the players from the midweek 1-1 draw with Liverpool in his starting line-up - and two of those, Ryan Taylor and Emile Heskey, went off injured during the game.
Scharner's opener was one of very few first-half chances, as Sunderland's inexperienced front pairing of Daryl Murphy and Martyn Waghorn were left isolated up front.
But soon after McShane and Nyron Nosworthy had collided with each other when they tried to clear the same ball, the Black Cats' defence was called into question once more as Evans played his team-mates into trouble.
Substitute Andy Cole set up Murphy who went close to pulling one back for the Wearsiders, but his deflected shot sailed wide.
There was no way back for the home side after Wales international Cotterill's third, and although Roy O'Donovan clipped the bar with a late overhead kick, it will have been little consolation for four-time FA Cup winner Keane.
West Ham 0-0 Man City 05/01/2008
West Ham 0-0 Man City
West Ham and Manchester City must replay their FA Cup third round match again on Wednesday week.
City had claims for an early penalty when Anton Ferdinand brought down the impressive Martin Petrov, while Robert Green superbly denied Stephen Ireland.
Joe Hart kept out Matthew Etherington's shot and palmed away a Mark Noble free-kick as the Hammers responded.
Ireland came close with another volley after the break, while Hart tipped over Dean Ashton's header near the end.
Neither side will relish the prospect of having to play another game but, after a week in which the tournament's importance was again debated, it was refreshing to see two strong line-ups approach this match with real gusto.
No-one epitomised that more than Petrov, who cut inside in the 16th minute and was clumsily brought down by Ferdinand, only for referee Rob Styles to wave away surprisingly muted claims.
Petrov's deep cross then found its way to the far post, where Ireland unleashed a powerful volley that Green brilliantly palmed over.
At the other end, Ashton was well marshalled by in-form City skipper Richard Dunne, leaving energetic duo Etherington and Mark Noble to produce most of West Ham's best moments.
Etherington, who was returning after two months out with a groin problem, came desperately close to a breakthrough when Hayden Mullins's cross was flicked on by Carlton Cole, only for Hart to tip his effort around the near post.
Hart then palmed away a free-kick Noble whipped in as the Hammers enjoyed a good spell but Petrov was never far from the action.
His cross would have been converted by Mexican striker Nery Castillo, who looked bright on his debut, but for a last-ditch interception from Ferdinand.
Lucas Neill, who had been tormented by Petrov, was replaced by Jonathan Spector and West Ham did nearly all the pressing at the start of the first half.
City appeared to have lost their first-half fluency but their threat on the break was illustrated when another Ireland volley was kept out by Hart.
Although a raft of substitutions affected the flow of the game in the latter stages, it remained an absorbing spectacle.
After a quiet spell, Petrov was again at the heart of some intricate passing moves from the away team, while West Ham were by no means overshadowed.
One of their replacements, Kyel Reid, delivered a good centre which Ashton made decent contact with but Hart made sure there would be no late drama by helping it over the bar.
West Ham and Manchester City must replay their FA Cup third round match again on Wednesday week.
City had claims for an early penalty when Anton Ferdinand brought down the impressive Martin Petrov, while Robert Green superbly denied Stephen Ireland.
Joe Hart kept out Matthew Etherington's shot and palmed away a Mark Noble free-kick as the Hammers responded.
Ireland came close with another volley after the break, while Hart tipped over Dean Ashton's header near the end.
Neither side will relish the prospect of having to play another game but, after a week in which the tournament's importance was again debated, it was refreshing to see two strong line-ups approach this match with real gusto.
No-one epitomised that more than Petrov, who cut inside in the 16th minute and was clumsily brought down by Ferdinand, only for referee Rob Styles to wave away surprisingly muted claims.
Petrov's deep cross then found its way to the far post, where Ireland unleashed a powerful volley that Green brilliantly palmed over.
At the other end, Ashton was well marshalled by in-form City skipper Richard Dunne, leaving energetic duo Etherington and Mark Noble to produce most of West Ham's best moments.
Etherington, who was returning after two months out with a groin problem, came desperately close to a breakthrough when Hayden Mullins's cross was flicked on by Carlton Cole, only for Hart to tip his effort around the near post.
Hart then palmed away a free-kick Noble whipped in as the Hammers enjoyed a good spell but Petrov was never far from the action.
His cross would have been converted by Mexican striker Nery Castillo, who looked bright on his debut, but for a last-ditch interception from Ferdinand.
Lucas Neill, who had been tormented by Petrov, was replaced by Jonathan Spector and West Ham did nearly all the pressing at the start of the first half.
City appeared to have lost their first-half fluency but their threat on the break was illustrated when another Ireland volley was kept out by Hart.
Although a raft of substitutions affected the flow of the game in the latter stages, it remained an absorbing spectacle.
After a quiet spell, Petrov was again at the heart of some intricate passing moves from the away team, while West Ham were by no means overshadowed.
One of their replacements, Kyel Reid, delivered a good centre which Ashton made decent contact with but Hart made sure there would be no late drama by helping it over the bar.
Tottenham 2-2 Reading 05/01/2008
Tottenham 2-2 Reading
Stephen Hunt's late equaliser for Reading set up a replay at the Madejski Stadium on Tuesday week for a place in the FA Cup fourth round.
A bizarre Paul Robinson error from Hunt's free-kick gave Reading the lead, but Dimitar Berbatov's lashed finish and penalty put Spurs ahead.
But a weakened Reading team hit back when Robinson spilled Leroy Lita's shot and Hunt netted the rebound.
Spurs substitute Tom Huddlestone was sent off late on for a head-butt.
Reading boss Steve Coppell, who prioritises league survival over the world's oldest cup competition, sprang no surprises by essentially fielding a reserve side.
He made eight changes from the team which lost 6-4 to Spurs at White Hart Lane in the Premier League seven days ago.
Spurs manager Juande Ramos fielded his strongest line-up, with skipper Ledley King back in the heart of defence.
The game soon burst into action when in the fifth minute Berbatov's square pass found Robbie Keane but, completely unchallenged, the Republic of Ireland international managed to steer the ball wide of the open goal from seven yards out.
That howler was nothing compared to what happened on 25 minutes.
From 45 yards out and near the touchline, Reading midfielder Hunt drifted a free-kick towards Robinson's goal and with no Reading players able to make contact, the Spurs keeper claimed a simple catch.
His momentum, however, carried him backwards into his goal and though Robinson eventually pushed the ball away, the linesman judged that he had carried it behind the line in his outstretched arms and a goal was awarded.
Spurs hit back immediately when Aaron Lennon's clever dinked pass found Berbatov in space in the penalty area.
With Reading's static back-line wrongly claiming for offside, the Bulgarian striker simply controlled the ball and lashed it past Adam Federici into the top corner.
Spurs took the game to Reading after the break and took the lead on 55 minutes.
Michael Dawson floated a long ball over the top for the energetic Keane to run on to and, as he steadied himself to shoot, Reading full-back Liam Rosenior hacked at his legs.
Referee Mark Clattenburg pointed to the spot without hesitation and in typical fashion, Berbatov coolly guided the ball past Federici's dive to the right for his sixth goal against Reading in the space of seven days.
Keane then had a goal disallowed for Pascal Chimbonda's push in the build-up and Berbatov could have claimed a hat-trick, and effectively sealed the game, when Lennon delivered a wicked cross but he trod on the ball just 10 yards out.
Yet with the clock ticking towards full-time, Reading made a rare foray into Spurs half of the pitch and grabbed an unlikely equaliser.
Peeling in from the left, Lita jinked in between Spurs defenders to hit a shot which Robinson could only parry.
As he lay prone and the ball squirmed from his grasp, Hunt followed up and tucked the ball into the net from a tight angle.
With both teams pressing for a late victory, the action became heated and second-half substitute Huddlestone was sent-off for butting his head towards Bobby Convey in an off-the-ball incident.
Stephen Hunt's late equaliser for Reading set up a replay at the Madejski Stadium on Tuesday week for a place in the FA Cup fourth round.
A bizarre Paul Robinson error from Hunt's free-kick gave Reading the lead, but Dimitar Berbatov's lashed finish and penalty put Spurs ahead.
But a weakened Reading team hit back when Robinson spilled Leroy Lita's shot and Hunt netted the rebound.
Spurs substitute Tom Huddlestone was sent off late on for a head-butt.
Reading boss Steve Coppell, who prioritises league survival over the world's oldest cup competition, sprang no surprises by essentially fielding a reserve side.
He made eight changes from the team which lost 6-4 to Spurs at White Hart Lane in the Premier League seven days ago.
Spurs manager Juande Ramos fielded his strongest line-up, with skipper Ledley King back in the heart of defence.
The game soon burst into action when in the fifth minute Berbatov's square pass found Robbie Keane but, completely unchallenged, the Republic of Ireland international managed to steer the ball wide of the open goal from seven yards out.
That howler was nothing compared to what happened on 25 minutes.
From 45 yards out and near the touchline, Reading midfielder Hunt drifted a free-kick towards Robinson's goal and with no Reading players able to make contact, the Spurs keeper claimed a simple catch.
His momentum, however, carried him backwards into his goal and though Robinson eventually pushed the ball away, the linesman judged that he had carried it behind the line in his outstretched arms and a goal was awarded.
Spurs hit back immediately when Aaron Lennon's clever dinked pass found Berbatov in space in the penalty area.
With Reading's static back-line wrongly claiming for offside, the Bulgarian striker simply controlled the ball and lashed it past Adam Federici into the top corner.
Spurs took the game to Reading after the break and took the lead on 55 minutes.
Michael Dawson floated a long ball over the top for the energetic Keane to run on to and, as he steadied himself to shoot, Reading full-back Liam Rosenior hacked at his legs.
Referee Mark Clattenburg pointed to the spot without hesitation and in typical fashion, Berbatov coolly guided the ball past Federici's dive to the right for his sixth goal against Reading in the space of seven days.
Keane then had a goal disallowed for Pascal Chimbonda's push in the build-up and Berbatov could have claimed a hat-trick, and effectively sealed the game, when Lennon delivered a wicked cross but he trod on the ball just 10 yards out.
Yet with the clock ticking towards full-time, Reading made a rare foray into Spurs half of the pitch and grabbed an unlikely equaliser.
Peeling in from the left, Lita jinked in between Spurs defenders to hit a shot which Robinson could only parry.
As he lay prone and the ball squirmed from his grasp, Hunt followed up and tucked the ball into the net from a tight angle.
With both teams pressing for a late victory, the action became heated and second-half substitute Huddlestone was sent-off for butting his head towards Bobby Convey in an off-the-ball incident.
Aston Villa 0-2 Man Utd FA Cup 05/01/2007
Aston Villa 0-2 Man Utd
Wayne Rooney scored under the watchful eye of new England coach Fabio Capello as Manchester United ruined Aston Villa's FA Cup chances once more.
Rooney inspired United after coming on as substitute with 20 minutes left.
He fired just over seconds before Cristiano Ronaldo turned home Ryan Giggs' cross with nine minutes left.
Rooney then provided a superb finish with a minute left, firing across Scott Carson from 20 yards as United sealed a place in the FA Cup fourth round.
This was the fourth time in the past seven seasons Villa have been paired with United at the third round stage - and they have lost each time.
Nine players eligible to play for England were included in the two starting line-ups as Capello took his seat alongside the Football Association's chief executive Brian Barwick in the stands at Villa Park.
Rooney was not on display from the start in front of Capello, being kept on the bench after missing two games with a virus, but he had a massive impact when he finally emerged.
There was little for impassive new England coach Capello to get excited about in a poor first 45 minutes.
Giggs had the best chance on the stroke of half-time, when Villa keeper Carson palmed out Ronaldo's shot and the veteran star could only steer the rebound wide.
Rooney indulged in a lengthy warm-up routine at the start of the second-half, much to the delight of United's travelling fans.
United almost broke the deadlock without him after 56 minutes when Nemanja Vidic glanced Giggs' corner just off target via a deflection.
Villa made the first change seven minutes later, sending on Luke Moore for John Carew, who looked to be struggling for fitness throughout.
Rooney was finally introduced with 20 minutes left of what had been a dismal encounter, replacing Ji-Sung Park.
Villa occasionally posed a threat when they broke on United, but Ashley Young shot wastefully wide from 20 yards.
Rooney had a glorious chance to open the scoring after 79 minutes when he played a long pass to Ronaldo before taking the return and firing over the top.
But United did not have to wait long to take the lead, Ronaldo scoring seconds later.
Giggs' cross went through Curtis Davies' legs and Ronaldo forced his way in front of the flat-footed Wilfred Bouma to score.
Carson then made a fine double save from Michael Carrick as United threatened to hit Villa again on the break.
And Rooney completed a brilliant cameo with a low drive beyond Carson as United sealed the win.
Wayne Rooney scored under the watchful eye of new England coach Fabio Capello as Manchester United ruined Aston Villa's FA Cup chances once more.
Rooney inspired United after coming on as substitute with 20 minutes left.
He fired just over seconds before Cristiano Ronaldo turned home Ryan Giggs' cross with nine minutes left.
Rooney then provided a superb finish with a minute left, firing across Scott Carson from 20 yards as United sealed a place in the FA Cup fourth round.
This was the fourth time in the past seven seasons Villa have been paired with United at the third round stage - and they have lost each time.
Nine players eligible to play for England were included in the two starting line-ups as Capello took his seat alongside the Football Association's chief executive Brian Barwick in the stands at Villa Park.
Rooney was not on display from the start in front of Capello, being kept on the bench after missing two games with a virus, but he had a massive impact when he finally emerged.
There was little for impassive new England coach Capello to get excited about in a poor first 45 minutes.
Giggs had the best chance on the stroke of half-time, when Villa keeper Carson palmed out Ronaldo's shot and the veteran star could only steer the rebound wide.
Rooney indulged in a lengthy warm-up routine at the start of the second-half, much to the delight of United's travelling fans.
United almost broke the deadlock without him after 56 minutes when Nemanja Vidic glanced Giggs' corner just off target via a deflection.
Villa made the first change seven minutes later, sending on Luke Moore for John Carew, who looked to be struggling for fitness throughout.
Rooney was finally introduced with 20 minutes left of what had been a dismal encounter, replacing Ji-Sung Park.
Villa occasionally posed a threat when they broke on United, but Ashley Young shot wastefully wide from 20 yards.
Rooney had a glorious chance to open the scoring after 79 minutes when he played a long pass to Ronaldo before taking the return and firing over the top.
But United did not have to wait long to take the lead, Ronaldo scoring seconds later.
Giggs' cross went through Curtis Davies' legs and Ronaldo forced his way in front of the flat-footed Wilfred Bouma to score.
Carson then made a fine double save from Michael Carrick as United threatened to hit Villa again on the break.
And Rooney completed a brilliant cameo with a low drive beyond Carson as United sealed the win.
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