United and Villa come through cup tests
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Article summary
Manchester United FC enjoyed a 3-0 success at Southampton FC to reach the fourth round of the FA Cup while their Premier League rivals Aston Villa FC were made to work harder in their 2-1 victory over Gillingham FC.
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Manchester United FC and Aston Villa FC both won away at lower-division opposition to secure their places in the fourth round of the FA Cup.
Welbeck opener
European champions United visited Southampton FC, who are struggling near the foot of the table in the second tier, and came away with a comprehensive 3-0 victory to set up a home tie with Tottenham Hotspur FC. After an even opening 20 minutes, the away side took the lead. Nani's corner was headed goalwards by John O'Shea and although Kelvin Davis did well to parry the effort on to the bar, Danny Welbeck was well placed to nod in the rebound.
Red card
Matters worsened for the home team ten minutes before the break when Matthew Paterson was sent off for a high challenge on Nemanja Vidić. Nani's penalty just after half-time extended the advantage and Darron Gibson's first goal for the club rounded off the scoring after he was fed by substitute Wayne Rooney.
Milner bears gifts
Aston Villa had birthday boy James Milner to thank after his double strike helped them win 2-1 at fourth-tier Gillingham FC. Martin O'Neill's men opened the scoring in the 13th minute when James Milner, 23 today, exchanged passes with Stiliyan Petrov before placing expertly past Simon Royce. However, going behind spurred Gillingham into action and the visitors survived a Dennis Oli effort before nearly doubling the lead just before half-time when Milner's inviting cross was volleyed over by Nathan Delfouneso.
Second-half goals
The hosts enjoyed another spell of pressure after the interval culminating in Simeon Jackson getting away from Zat Knight and firing past Brad Friedel to level the tie. Villa, who had not won an FA Cup game since January 2006, responded and their efforts finally paid off when Milner converted from the spot eleven minutes from time after Ashley Young was upended. The UEFA Cup contenders had to withstand another late barrage from Gillingham but held out to secure their place in the fourth round where they will play either Cheltenham Town FC or Doncaster Rovers FC.