Holders United held by minnows

By Simon Hart

Non-league Exeter City FC produced one of the surprises of the third round of the FA Cup as they held holders Manchester United FC to a goalless draw at Old Trafford.

City shocked
Exeter play in the fifth tier of the English game, the Conference, but frustrated United to earn a home replay on 18 January. It was also an afternoon to forget for United's neighbours, Manchester City FC, who lost 1-0 at Oldham Athletic FC. Scott Vernon scored Oldham's goal after 14 minutes.

Villa lose
Aston Villa FC also lost to lower league opposition, going down 3-1 at Sheffield United FC for whom Andy Liddell scored two late goals. Norwich City FC, meanwhile, were beaten at West Ham United FC, Marlon Harewood scoring the only goal with nine minutes remaining, and Crystal Palace FC lost 2-1 at Sunderland AFC, for whom Marcus Stewart's penalty was decisive.

Chelsea comeback
Chelsea FC were surprised by an early goal from Scunthorpe United FC at Stamford Bridge. The visitors from League Two - the old fourth division - went ahead through Paul Hayes but Mateja Kezman drew the Londoners level before the break and an own goal from Andy Crosby and Eidur Gudjohnsen effort secured Chelsea's win.

Boro scare
Middlesbrough FC survived a scare as they came from behind to win at Notts County FC. County went in front after two minutes through Tony Scully but Boro replied through Doriva and Joseph-Désiré Job. Tottenham Hotspur FC did not have it easy either against Brighton and Hove Albion FC before Robbie Keane's 83rd-minute goal sealed a 2-1 victory.

Pedersen double
Elsewhere, Leon Osman, James McFadden and Nick Chadwick goals gave Everton FC a 3-1 success at Plymouth Argyle FC and Bolton Wanderers FC won by the same score at Ipswich Town FC, Henrik Pedersen scoring twice. Darren Carter was also on target twice as Birmingham City FC defeated Leeds United AFC 3-0 and Bryan Hughes did the same for Charlton Athletic FC in their 4-1 victory over Rochdale FC.

Respite for West Brom
Of the other Premiership sides, Southampton FC won 3-1 at Northampton Town FC, Portsmouth FC overcame Gillingham FC 1-0, and there was some respite for bottom club West Bromwich Albion FC who beat Preston North End FC 2-0. Finally, there were 1-1 draws for Blackburn Rovers FC at Cardiff City FC, and Fulham FC at Watford FC.