Liverpool defeat Manchester United in the FA Cup for the first time since January 1921.
The Anfield clash is marred by an horrific injury to United’s Alan Smith.
Newcastle United and Charlton Athletic are also through to the Quarter-Finals.- Liverpool defeat Manchester United in the FA Cup for the first time since January 1921. The European champions dominate the Fifth Round tie but only progress by the margin of a Peter Crouch goal. It means the FA Cup Final won’t feature either Manchester United or Arsenal for the first time since it was moved to Cardiff in 2001. The Anfield clash is marred by an horrific injury to United’s Alan Smith. Shortly after coming on as a late substitute, the England midfielder breaks his left leg and dislocates his ankle after falling awkwardly.
- Newcastle United and Charlton Athletic are also through to the Quarter-Finals. United beat Southampton at St James’ Park as Kieron Dyer’s goal maintains their 100% record under caretaker manager Glenn Roeder. Charlton Athletic ease past Brentford 3-1 at The Valley despite a spirited display by the League One outfit. In a repeat of the 1923 White Horse Final, Bolton Wanderers and West Ham United battle out a gritty goalless draw at the Reebok Stadium.
- In the Championship, victory in the Steel City derby at Hillsborough sees Sheffield United close the gap on leaders Reading to nine points. Michael Tonge and Adie Akinbiyi gives the visiting Blades a 2-0 half-time advantage before a late penalty from Wednesday’s Steve MacLean sets up a nail-biting finish. Watford move back to third with a 50-yard goal from Chris Eagles at next-to-bottom Brighton & Hove Albion. Leeds United are held to a 1-1 draw at Leicester City despite the Foxes being reduced to ten men after 11 minutes when Paddy McCarthy was sent-off.
- In League One, leaders Southend United win a dramatic game 4-3 at Chesterfield. Freddy Eastwood hits a hat-trick. Huddersfield Town draw level with second-placed Colchester United with a 5-0 demolition of bottom-of-the-table Milton Keynes Dons at the Galpharm Stadium. In their first game after Gary Megson’s departure, Nottingham Forest record their first away win since August with a 2-0 success at Port Vale. With Rotherham United winning 3-2 at Swindon Town, only three points separate 16th to 23rd positions.
- In League Two, Carlisle United go back to the top with a 5-0 trouncing of bottom-placed Rushden & Diamonds. Following their 0-2 home loss to Leyton Orient - their 11th defeat in their last 12 games - Chester City part company with manager Keith Curle after only nine months at the Saunders Honda Stadium.