Fourth-tier Swindon shock struggling Wigan
Saturday, January 7, 2012
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Swindon Town FC produced the sole shock in the FA Cup third round by coming from behind to beat Wigan Athletic FC as nine Premier League clubs booked a spot in Sunday's draw.
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Nine top-flight sides safely negotiated their way through to the FA Cup fourth round on Saturday, but the competition was no sanctuary for the Premier League's bottom two, Blackburn Rovers FC and Wigan Athletic FC, who were knocked out by Newcastle United FC and fourth-tier outfit Swindon Town FC respectively.
Despite taking a first-half lead through David Goodwillie, Blackburn's cup hopes were compromised by Hatem Ben Arfa's equaliser (70) and then finished by Jonás Gutiérrez's added-time winner. The shock of the round, however, occurred at the County Ground, where Swindon also came from behind to sink Wigan.
Callum McManaman's opening goal for the visitors was cancelled out by Alan Connell's header before Matt Richie's effort deflected off team-mate Paul Benson to earn Paolo Di Canio's charges a surprise victory.
Elsewhere, Fulham FC, Swansea City AFC, Norwich City FC and West Bromwich Albion FC all scored four to coast into Sunday's draw, while there were also wins for Tottenham Hotspur FC, Stoke City FC, Aston Villa FC and Everton FC. Liverpool FC overwhelmed Oldham Athletic FC 5-1 on Friday night.
