United avoid second embarrassment

Holders Manchester United FC squeezed through to the FA Cup fourth round with a hard-earned 2-0 win at non-league team Exeter City FC in tonight's third-round replay, while fellow Premiership sides Fulham FC and Blackburn Rovers FC also progressed.

Early goal
Exeter had sprung a surprise in the first game at Old Trafford eleven days ago by holding their illustrious hosts to a goalless draw, but it took Sir Alex Ferguson's strengthened side just nine minutes to take the lead at Saint James' Park. Paul Scholes threaded through a defence-splitting ball to Cristiano Ronaldo, whose first touch set him up perfectly to drive in with his left foot.

Decisive second
In windy conditions the visitors failed to convert a number of chances to extend their lead before half-time, but their non-league opponents held firm and might have levelled midway through the second half when Sean Devine volleyed wide with only United goalkeeper Tim Howard to beat. Wayne Rooney and Ronaldo twice missed late chances but Rooney sealed the win in the closing stages to set up a fourth-round tie against Middlesbrough FC.

Fulham fillip
In tonight's other replays, Fulham took a 13th-minute lead at home to League Cup semi-finalists Watford FC through German right-back Moritz Volz and Tomasz Radzinski wrapped up the win with a second goal five minutes past the hour.

Blackburn boost
Blackburn also overcame Championship opposition, defeating Cardiff City FC 3-2. David Thompson gave Mark Hughes's side a ninth-minute lead and although Joel McAnuff quickly levelled, Thompson restored the home team's advantage in the 32nd minute and a third Blackburn goal from Morten Gamst Pedersen two minutes after half-time secured the win, despite James Collins scoring a second for Cardiff.