6 Jan 2013

Manchester United narrowly avoid FA Cup elimination

10:42 am on 6 January 2013

Manchester United's narrowly avoided being eliminated in the third round of English football's FA Cup, with Robin van Persie scoring in stoppage time to earn United a two all draw and force a replay against West Ham.

Fellow premier league side Newcastle's been beaten for the second year in succession by second tier side Brighton and Hove Albion, losing two-nil.

Several other clubs struggling in the Premier League flirted with defeat against lower league opposition but survived.

Fulham drew 1-1 at home to Blackpool, third tier Bournemouth earned a replay with Wigan Athletic after holding them to a 1-1 draw while Sunderland drew 2-2 at Bolton Wanderers.

Reading had to come from a goal down to beat third tier Crawley Town 3-1 away.

While FA Cup holders Chelsea had an emphatic 5-1 win over Southampton and Manchester City beat Watford three nil.