Arsenal continue cup run

Holders Arsenal FC joined Chelsea FC in the fifth round of the FA Cup after both overcame potentially testing ties in the fourth round this afternoon.

Third consecutive year
Arsenal, seeking to become the first side in modern times to win the competition three years running, ran out 4-1 winners against Middlesbrough FC at Highbury. Arsène Wenger's side took the lead midway through the first half, as Ray Parlour's cut-back was turned in by Dennis Bergkamp with the help of a deflection off Danny Mills.

Instant reply
The visitors hit back strongly, and drew level three minutes later, Joseph-Desiré Job applying a powerful finish to Michael Ricketts' header. Parity lasted just six minutes, however, as Bergkamp created the chance for Fredrik Ljungberg to restore Arsenal's lead.

Second-half strikes
After the break, Arsenal always looked comfortable, and further goals from Ljungberg again and David Bentley – his first for the club – gave the scoreline a lopsided look.

Early advantage
Chelsea, meanwhile, secured a 1-0 victory from a perilous trip to non-league Scarborough FC. Frank Lampard hit the post for the visitors in the first minute, and it seemed Chelsea were on course for a comfortable victory as defender John Terry headed Claudio Ranieri's team in front from close range after ten minutes. However, Scarborough continued to compete strongly and it took a fine save by Chelsea goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini from Colin Cryan's header to preserve the visitors' narrow lead.

Cheyrou cheer
In the evening game, two goals from Bruno Cheyrou gave Liverpool FC a crucial 2-1 win against Newcastle United FC at Anfield. The French midfield player opened the scoring after two minutes, capitalising on a loose ball in the Newcastle penalty area, but a powerful free-kick from Laurent Robert brought the visitors level just two minutes later.

Headed second
Cheyrou restored the home side's lead a minute past the hour with a powerful downward header from Steven Gerrard's cross, although Newcastle's Alan Shearer was denied by a spectacular stop from Jerzy Dudek in the final minute.

Two for Taylor
One goal also proved to be enough for Birmingham City FC, with Bryan Hughes' fourth-minute strike the only goal of the match with first division Wimbledon FC. Portsmouth FC defender Matthew Taylor, meanwhile, scored twice in his side's 2-1 against Scunthorpe United FC at Fratton Park.

United visit
On Sunday, Manchester United FC visit third division Northampton Town FC, while Wolverhampton Wanderers FC have home advantage for their match with West Ham United FC, relegated from the Premiership last season. The other two ties are all-Premiership affairs, with Manchester City FC meeting Tottenham Hotspur FC and Everton FC playing Fulham FC.