United edge out Alex
Spurs down Dons
Relief for Dowie
—– In a meeting of the two longest-serving managers in English football - Sir Alex Ferguson and Dario Gradi -
a debut goal from teenager Keiran Lee with two minutes of extra time remaining sends holders Manchester United into the Fourth Round of the Carling Cup.
United had gone ahead through Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s 26th-minute strike but Crewe Alexandra deservedly equalise through Luke Varney after 73 minutes to send the Gresty Road tie into extra time.
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—– Jermain Defoe and Mido each score twice as Tottenham Hotspur ease past Milton Keynes Dons 5-0 at the National Hockey Stadium.
Dons manager Martin Allen isn’t slow to reflect on Defoe’s influence following the Spurs forward’s controversial biting incident against West Ham United on Sunday: “Defoe showed a bit of bite tonight. He got his teeth into us. He was very sharp and his attitude good.”
—– Marcus Bent’s first goal in 17 games hands Charlton Athletic manager Iain Dowie a much-needed win as the Premiership’s bottom club beat Bolton Wanderers 1-0 at The Valley.
Assistant manager Les Reed notes: “It’s important that we’re starting to progress. To keep a clean sheet for the second match in succession shows we’re going in the right direction.”
—– Liverpool almost throw away a three-goal lead as Reading fight back at Anfield but the Reds survive 4-3.
Two second-half goals were enough to see Chelsea safely through at Blackburn Rovers.
Newcastle United’s three second-half goals at St James’ Park ends Portsmouth’s hopes.
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