Carling Cup round-up

Hammers and Fulham shocked, Stoke and Sunderland survive scares

Last updated: 23rd September 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Carling Cup round-up

Mullins puts through his own net

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Burnley and Watford both knocked out Premier League opposition in the Carling Cup third round as Rotherham United continued their giant-killing run.

Stoke City and Sunderland both survived scares before coming through on penalties as Swansea City edged past Cardiff City

Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United made it through to the fourth round with contrasting victories, while Leeds United left it late to beat Hartlepool United.

Substitute Jay Rodriguez enjoyed a dramatic late cameo as Burnley beat Fulham 1-0 at Turf Moor.

Rodriguez was introduced on 85 minutes and, three minutes later, his goal saw off the Premier League side.

Gianfranco Zola's first cup match in charge of West Ham United ended in a 1-0 defeat at Championship side Watford.

Hammers midfielder Hayden Mullins was the unfortunate villain of the piece as he put through his own net 20 minutes from time.

Rotherham continued their spree of knocking out Championship clubs after a 3-1 home success over Southampton.

Nick Fenton and Danny Harrison put the Millers 2-0 ahead before Stern John pulled a goal back for Saints just past the hour.

However, Drewe Broughton's 69th minute effort ensured that Southampton suffered the same fate as Sheffield Wednesday and Wolves.

Sunderland were on the brink of a shock exit at home to Northampton Town before battling back for a 2-2 draw and eventually emerging through 4-3 on penalties.

Northampton, who had knocked out Bolton in the previous round, took a 20th minute lead through Colin Larkin and appeared set to claim another scalp when Luke Guttridge scored on 81 minutes.

Anthony Stokes pulled one back on 86 minutes and the substitute equalised in the final minute before Leon Constantine missed the decisive penalty in the shoot-out.

Stoke twice threw away the lead in normal time before beating Reading 4-3 on penalties at the Britannia Stadium.

Vincent Pericard provided the Potters with a ninth minute advantage, only for James Henry to level from the penalty spot at the end of the first half.

Mamady Sidibe restored Stoke's lead on 50 minutes before Henry equalised again, however he was to miss in the shoot-out along with Leroy Lita.

Carlos Vela marked his first start for Arsenal with a hat-trick as the Gunners demolished Sheffield United 6-0 at Emirates Stadium.

In a team with an average of 19, elder statesman Nicklas Bendtner scored Arsenal's opening two goals before Vela weighed in with his first before half-time.

Vela then scored either side of a Jack Wilshere effort as the Gunners outclassed their Championship opponents en route to the fourth round.

Sir Alex Ferguson sent out a relatively strong side and was rewarded as Manchester United beat 10-man Middlesbrough 3-1 at Old Trafford.

Cristiano Ronaldo marked his first start of the season by heading home the opener on 25 minutes before substitute Adam Johnson levelled on 56 minutes.

Emanuel Pogatetz was sent off for a reckless challenge on Rodrigo Possebon before Ryan Giggs and Nani pounced on defensive mistakes to send the Red Devils through.

The Welsh derby saw Swansea City overcome Cardiff City 1-0 at the Liberty Stadium in front of the Sky Sports cameras.

Jordi Gomez's deflected free-kick on 57 minutes settled the issue, with Cardiff then having Stephen McPhail sent off for two bookable offences.

Liverpool faced spirited resistance from Crewe Alexandra before Lucas' 58th minute goal clinched a 2-1 win at Anfield.

Daniel Agger had given Liverpool a 15th minute lead before the League One club levelled on 25 minutes through Michael O'Connor.

Leeds United twice came from behind before poaching a last-minute winner to beat League One rivals Hartlepool United 3-2 at Elland Road.

Andy Monkhouse's second minute goal for Pools was cancelled out by Robert Snodgrass' effort on 14 minutes.

Joel Porter restored the visitors' lead before Enoch Showunmi levelled and Leeds snatched a place in the fourth round through Andy Robinson's late winner.