United thwart Reading fightback

Blues back on top

PM backs cheaper tickets call

—– So who was it that said FA Cup replays should be scrapped?
The night’s two Fifth Round replays both provide tremendous examples of why they must continue.
Manchester United seem set for a stroll into the quarter-finals as they storm into a three goal lead after only six minutes at Reading.
The Royals gamely fight back to bring the score back to 2-3, and nearly complete a remarkable comeback when Brynjar Gunnarsson’s long-range shot smacks against the bar with only seconds remaining.
United will now travel to Middlesbrough after their Premiership rivals have to rely on penalties for the second round in a row before progressing against Football League opposition.
Boro are held to a 1-1 draw at Championship promotion-chasers West Bromwich Albion after extra time before going through 5-4 on penalties.

—– More disappointment for West Brom sees them lose their place as Championship leaders.
They are replaced by Birmingham City but, as a mark of the division’s competitiveness, Blues struggle to beat bottom-of-the-table Leeds United 1-0 at St Andrews.
Luton Town drop further into relegation trouble as Simon Lappin gives Norwich City a last-gasp 3-2 win at Kenilworth Road.

—– Although there’s still 11 games to go, North Lincolnshire Council announce plans for a promotion party after Scunthorpe United go nine points clear at the top of League One following a 3-1 win at Crewe Alexandra.
The Iron extend their record unbeaten away run to 13 games while equalling their club record six consecutive league wins which has stood since 1969.
Second-placed Yeovil Town lose ground after a goalless draw at Doncaster Rovers while recent leaders Oldham Athletic lose their fourth game in a row as Blackpool win 1-0 at Boundary Park.
Rotherham United remain eight points adrift at the bottom after Swansea City win 2-1 at Millmoor in Roberto Martinez’s first game in charge of the Swans.

—– The Bristol derby in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy Southern Section Final ends in a deserved victory for Rovers.
Rickie Lambert scores the only goal of the two-legged tie in the second leg at the Memorial Stadium.
The Pirates now meet Doncaster Rovers in the Final at the Millennium Stadium.

—– Prime Minster Tony Blair backs the calls for more affordable ticket prices at Premiership games.
Speaking at his monthly press conference, Mr Blair says: “It’s the ordinary fan that really builds the club. It’s a decision for them [the Premiership clubs] but I think the logic of it is pretty clear.”
Almost 80 MPs have signed a motion protesting against the high admission prices.
The Football Supporters Federation recently launched an on-line petition demanding a maximum adult away admission price at Premiership games of £15 and, generally, using the money from televised games to subsidise ticket prices.