Torres claims hat-trick
Domestic round-up
Mikel red card upheld
Salifou wins permit
Fernando Torres scored a hat-trick as Liverpool beat Reading 2-4 at the Madjeski Stadium to cruise into the fourth round of the Carling Cup. Arsenal also progressed after late goals from Nicklas Bendtner and Denilson sealed a 2-0 win over visitors Newcastle United. Manchester City secured their passage with a 1-0 victory over Norwich City at Eastlands, Portsmouth won at Burnley courtesy of a David Nugent strike while two goals from Robbie Fowler and another from Jimmy Floyd Hasslebaink helped Cardiff City eliminate West Bromwich Albion 2-4 at The Hawthorns. Luton Town will be the lowest-ranked team going into the hat for the draw for the last 16 after beating Charlton Athletic 3-1 at Kenilworth Road. Morecambe’s trip to face Sheffield United at Bramall Lane ended in a crushing 5-0 defeat. Blackpool finally saw off Southend United 2-1 after extra time.
First Division Hamilton Academical beat Kilmarnock 2-0 at New Douglas Park to progress to the quarter-finals of the CIS Cup. Inverness Caledonian Thistle joined the Accies in the last eight with a comfortable 3-0 home victory over Gretna while Lee Wilkie’s strike after an hour was enough to ensure that Dundee United knocked-out Falkirk at the Falkirk Stadium. Heart of Midlothian needed extra-time to defeat Dunfermline Athletic 4-1.
St Johnstone eased into the semi-finals of the Scottish Challenge Cup by beating Brechin City 4-1 at McDiarmid Park.
Torquay United beat Weymouth 3-2 to go top of the Blue Square Premier.
We welcome your views and descriptions of matches. On the spot and even conflicting views of what has happened offer a fuller historical picture than any single ‘official’ version ever can. By adding your comments and reviews, you are contributing to the history of the game.
Although we appreciate a bias in favour of your club, without exception, foul or abusive language will not be tolerated. This is very much a family website - indeed we are keen to encourage younger club statisticians to get involved. Infact, it is an excellent training ground for the budding sports reporter.
Of course, please ensure factual statements are correct at all times.
For acceptable examples, go to League Division 3 games in the early weeks of the 2000-01 season or the 2006 FA Cup Final via our Members Area. Please feel free to add to them or any other matches on the database. Thank you.
Mikel Jon Obi must serve a three-match ban after failing in his appeal against his red card in Chelsea’s 2-0 defeat at Manchester United. As Fifa does not allow cards to be downgraded Chelsea could only have won the appeal if they had proved that no action at all should have been taken. Mikel’s suspension may not be the last repercussion for Chelsea following the Old Trafford fixture as Blues captain John Terry appeared to grab referee Mike Dean’s red card as he sent off Mikel. Reports suggest Terry’s actions have been mentioned in Dean’s official report.
Moustapha Salifou, who signed for Aston Villa on transfer deadline-day, has finally obtained a work permit and is free to link-up with his new club. The Togo star, 24, signed a one-year deal and had been training with his former club FC Wil in Switzerland while waiting for clearance. Meanwhile Villa’s Norwegian striker John Carew will be out for up to six weeks with knee ligament damage.
Nathan Davies