FA Cup

Subterms

    More stories

    • 300 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘Is it supposed to be raw?’ – Fans fume at anaemic £5.50 hot dog at Sheffield United that doesn’t even fill the bun up

      by

      FANS were fuming last night after a snap of an anaemic hot dog costing £5.50 at Sheffield United was shared online.The Blades advanced to the FA Cup fifth round after defeating Wrexham 3-1 in a replay.
      It was a snap of the Bramall Lane hot dogs that had most fans talkingCredit: Twitter @FootyScran
      Billy Sharp helped fire Sheffield united to victory over WrexhamCredit: Alamy
      However, it was not only the footy that had supporters talking.
      Popular Twitter account “Footy Scran” shared an image of a large hot dog bun containing a skinny weiner, minus any onions, sauce or other filling, which was allegedly bought at the Championship side’s Bramall Lane ground.
      They claimed that it had cost a hefty £5.50 – and their followers instantly gave it a big thumbs down.
      One responded: “Looks like it tested positive for Covid.”
      READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS
      Another response asked: “Cook it on a radiator?”
      A fellow fan queried: “Is it supposed to be raw?”
      Another tweeter wrote: “How much does it cost to have it cooked?”
      One commented: “Yes hello, I’d like to report a crime.”
      Most read in Championship
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
      A fellow fan said: “Used a lighter to ‘cook’ it I see.”
      As another added: “Bit dry that, the cardboard looks more appealing.”
      While a fellow follower hilariously wrote: “A good vet would get that back on it’s feet!” More

    • 263 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Wrexham miss out on Hollywood ending as Sheff Utd score 94th-minute winner in FA Cup and Grimsby stun Luton in thrashing

      by

      WREXHAM’s Hollywood FA Cup run came to a cruel end as they were dumped out by Sheffield United at Bramall Lane in a fourth-round replay.The Blades looked like they’d assert their dominance over the National League side early on, controlling large parts of the possession and registering significantly higher passing accuracy and shots.
      Sheffield United beat the non-league side with two added time goalsCredit: Rex
      Wrexham fought their way back into the game with Paul Mullin netting from the penalty spotCredit: Getty
      Wrexham have missed out on an FA Cup fifth-round date with TottenhamCredit: Rex
      And they found a breakthrough just after the restart through highly rated defender Anel Ahmedhodzic.
      The 23-year-old continued his run into the Wrexham penalty area and kept a cool head as he fired in at the near post.
      But Wrexham weren’t going to go down without a fight and won a spot-kick just nine minutes after Ahmedhodzic’s opener.
      Paul Mullin stepped up and thumped home the equaliser – his 28th of the season and his eighth in the FA Cup alone.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      With 20 minutes to go, Wrexham found themselves with another penalty-kick, and a golden chance to give themselves a shot at dumping Sheffield United OUT – but Mullin had his shot saved by Adam Davies despite it being a clean strike.
      Sheffield were unlucky to not be awarded a penalty close to handball at full-time – but the non-league side escaped punishment with VAR not in play.
      And the Championship side stuck a blade into Wrexham and twisted it in one final, cruel blow with two injury time goals.
      Billy Sharp scored followed by Premier League-linked Sander Berge.
      Most read in FA Cup
      Grimsby thumped LutonCredit: Reuters
      Fleetwood beat Sheff Wednesday, who top League OneCredit: Reuters
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST FOOTBALL BETTING SITES IN THE UK
      Sheffield will now contest a fifth-round tie against Tottenham, ending Wrexham’s incredible FA Cup journey under A-listers Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.
      Elsewhere, League Two Grimsby shocked Luton Town.
      The home side found themselves 3-0 up at half-time, and held their nerve after the restart, keeping a clean sheet and setting up a fifth-round date with Premier League Southampton.
      League One Fleetwood stunned third tier side Sheffield Wednesday.
      On-loan winger Carlos Mendes Gomes netted the winner to see off the table toppers.
      Fleetwood will now play Burnley, who dumped out Ipswich with a 2-1 win.
      A Nathan Tella brace fired the Championship leaders into the fifth round.
      Nathan Tella netted a brace to help Burnley beat IpswichCredit: Getty More

    • 200 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Supercomputer predicts Wednesday’s football scores including Man Utd vs Leeds, Real Madrid and Sunderland vs Fulham

      by

      THREE big games are set to take place on Wednesday evening as fans are given a choice between Premier League, FA Cup and Club World Cup action.Man Utd prepare to face off against Leeds twice in four days – the first of which comes at Old Trafford.
      Marcus Rashford is enjoying a remarkable run of formCredit: PA
      Sunderland’s Chris Rigg thought he had scored the winner against Fulham at Craven Cottage before the goal was ruled outCredit: Getty
      Erik ten Hag’s men are seeking a 14th successive home win in all competitions and could move level on points with second-place Man City with a victory.
      Meanwhile, Sunderland and Fulham will meet once more for a place in the FA Cup fifth round.
      The Black Cats earned a replay after drawing 1-1 at Craven Cottage, but they will need to go one step further if they are to reach the last-16 for the first time in eight years.
      And if that wasn’t enough, European champions Real Madrid are also playing as they take on Egyptian side Al Ahly in the Club World Cup.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Here is how the supercomputer – which analyses the latest odds and statistical data – sees all three matches going on Wednesday night…
      Man Utd vs Leeds
      Man Utd look unbeatable at home at this moment in time as they set their sights on rivals Man City – who are struggling to put together a solid run of form in the Premier League.
      By contrast, Leeds have not won a league match since the beginning of November.
      And while the departure of Jesse Marsch could spell the start of a new era, do not expect that to start at Old Trafford.
      Most read in Football
      Supercomputer winner: Man Utd
      Supercomputer predicted scoreline: Man Utd 2-0 Leeds
      Most likely goalscorer: Marcus Rashford

      Sunderland vs Fulham
      Sunderland showed they are more than capable of competing with Premier League sides when they earned a draw in West London 10 days ago.
      But getting over the line and actually knocking out Marco Silva’s men could be a step too far for the second-tier outfit.
      Supercomputer winner: Draw (Fulham on penalties)
      Supercomputer predicted scoreline: 1-1
      Most likely goalscorer: Aleksandar Mitrovic
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST FOOTBALL BETTING SITES IN THE UK
      Al Ahly vs Real Madrid
      Real Madrid may have fallen eight points behind Barcelona in the LaLiga title race, but they will undoubtedly see the Club World Cup as a huge opportunity for silverware.
      Carlo Ancelotti’s men take on Egypt’s Al Ahly in the semi-finals of the tournament, with Flamengo or Al-Hilal awaiting them in Saturday’s final.
      Supercomputer winner: Real Madrid
      Read More on The Sun
      Supercomputer predicted scoreline: Al Ahly 0-2 Real Madrid
      Most likely goalscorer: Karim Benzema
      Karim Benzema has scored 13 goals so far this seasonCredit: Getty More

    • 213 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Ex-Premier League star Ivano Bonetti suffered fractured cheekbone after manager threw plate of CHICKEN WINGS at him

      by

      FORMER Premier League striker Ivano Bonetti suffered a fractured cheekbone when his manager launched a plate of CHICKEN WINGS at him.The ex-Juventus, Crystal Palace and Dundee midfielder, now 58, spent one season of his journeyman career with Grimsby Town.
      Brian Laws and Ivano Bonetti publicly made up after the infamous chicken wings incidentCredit: Action Images
      Bonetti was treated in hospital and left Grimsby months laterCredit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bxrk3IFMEKU
      The Italian was fortunate to keep his sight in his right eyeCredit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bxrk3IFMEKU
      During that 1995-96 campaign, the Mariners reached the FA Cup fourth round where they took on Premier League outfit West Ham.
      After a 0-0 draw at Upton Park, Grimsby hosted the Hammers at Blundell Park – and secured a shock 3-0 win over Harry Redknapp’s side.
      But arguably the biggest drama took place off the field… before a ball was even kicked.
      That is because of a dramatic bust-up between manager Brian Laws and his Italian star Bonetti ahead of the famous replay.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      The Grimsby gaffer was furious with his side’s performance in the 3-2 defeat at Luton four days before the West Ham game, just weeks after thumping the Hatters 7-1.
      And he was particularly unhappy at Bonetti’s efforts.
      So much so that he picked up the plate of chicken wings that was sat in the dressing room and proceeded to throw it at the Serie A title winner.
      The crockery crashed straight into the face of the midfielder and broke the bone just below his right eye in a shocking twist.
      Most read in FA Cup
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST FOOTBALL BETTING SITES IN THE UK
      The damage was clear to see as Laws and Bonetti faced the press to make amends, with the latter’s face clearly showing the effects.
      Somehow, they put the incident behind them to come back a few days later and beat West Ham – although Bonetti would ultimately quit the club for Tranmere on a free.
      They then earned a replay in the fifth round following a 0-0 draw with Chelsea but lost the replay at Stamford Bridge 4-1.
      However, the incident did scupper a dream weekend away Bonetti had planned for team-mates John McDermott, Paul Groves and Craig Shakespeare.
      McDermott said: “We were going to Italy with him (Bonetti). I had my suitcase in the changing room, I’d never been to Italy in my life.
      “He was taking us to the Milan derby, we were going to this nightclub, all paid for, in a limo, and he had Pagliuca, the goalkeeper, and Vialli, they were meeting us out.
      “The game comes on, and he comes in, kicks off with the old chicken drumstick. He gets laid out, and I don’t believe it.
      “I was picking him up and saying, ‘Come on Ivano mate, it’s only a scratch!’
      Read More on The Sun
      “He was laid out, gone, his face was caved in, but I’m thinking about this trip.
      “We ended up going to the Pier! I couldn’t even get in, I had to pay to get in there!”
      Laws let rip after seeing his side slump to defeat at GrimsbyCredit: Ross Parry
      Bonetti went on to play in the Premier League, back in Italy and ScotlandCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow More

    • 288 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd vs West Ham leads FA Cup fifth-round ties picked for TV coverage with Bristol City vs Man City also on ITV

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED’S clash with West Ham has been picked for TV coverage in the FA Cup fifth round.And Manchester City’s trip to Bristol City will also be live on the box.
      Manchester United will host West Ham on March 1Credit: Getty
      Manchester City beat Arsenal to set up a fifth-round clash with Bristol CityCredit: Getty
      Four of the eight last-16 ties are on ITV – either their main channel or on ITV4, with each available on the ITVX hub online.
      City travel to Ashton Gate in a repeat of the 2017-18 Carabao Cup semi-final on Tuesday 28 February.
      Pep Guardiola’s men saw off Arsenal in the previous round, thanks to Nathan Ake’s winner.
      The Robins under Nigel Pearson, meanwhile, thumped West Brom 3-0 to reach the FA Cup for the third time in five seasons – after failing to get that far for 18 years.
      Then the following night West Ham head to Old Trafford to take on an in-form Red Devils side who may have ended their seven-year wait for a trophy just three days earlier at Wembley.
      United beat Reading in round four thanks to two goals from Casemiro and a third from fellow Brazil midfielder Fred.
      However, the victory came at a cost because Andy Carroll’s wild challenge on Christian Eriksen damaged ligaments in the Dane’s ankle.
      He looks set to be out for at least three months – until the beginning of May – and will be a cruel miss for Erik ten Hag as United battle on four fronts.
      Most read in FA Cup
      ITV also have the rights to Stoke v Brighton on Tuesday 28 and Southampton v Luton or Grimsby on Wednesday 1.
      It means the two of the other fifth-round ties will be available on the BBC.
      Fulham or Sunderland’s home clash with Leeds will be on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Tuesday 28.
      And then Tottenham’s trip to face either Wrexham or Sheffield United takes place on the same channel 24 hours later.
      It means Leicester vs Blackburn and Ipswich Town or Burnley vs Sheffield Wednesday or Fleetwood are the two games not live on TV.
      Four of the fourth-round replays will take place next Tuesday before Sunderland host Fulham on Wednesday. More

    • 288 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Derby 0 West Ham 2: Bowen and Antonio strike to set up FA Cup fifth round clash at Man Utd for Moyes’ boys

      by

      DAVID MOYES must be relieved he didn’t decide to show Michail Antonio the door this month – despite the striker hinting he was heading for a January exit.Moyes’ decision to invest £12million on Aston Villa’s Danny Ings appeared to call time on Antonio’s eight-year reign at the London Stadium.
      Jarrod Bowen opened the scoring in the 10th minuteCredit: PA
      Michail Antonio scored his first goal since NovemberCredit: Reuters
      But with Everton, Wolves and Nottingham Forest all queuing up to offer the 32-year-old a final lucrative payday to bump up his retirement fund, Moyes put up the ‘Not for Sale sign.’
      Against Derby Antonio proved his boss was right as he sealed the Hammers’ place in the fifth round to set up a glitzy trip to Old Trafford to play Manchester United in the next round.
      With last season’s Player of the Year Jarrod Bowen also on the mark to get West Ham off to a flyer, it seemed Moyes had somehow turned back the clock to finally rediscover last season’s winning formula.
      Asked if Antonio could still go in the window, Moyes replied: “Money talks in football everywhere but at the moment I would say no chance.

      “There are prices for every player but at the moment I don’t think there’s any price we’re interested in taking for Mich.”
      And Moyes hinted his other goalscorer Bowen was getting back to the sort of form that saw him only narrowly miss out on Gareth Southgate’s England squad for Qatar.
      He said: “For Jarrod, confidence is a big word, he needs it.
      “The way he took his goal tonight, he looked like a finisher.
      Most read in FA Cup
      “I’m hoping he’s closer to getting back to the form he showed to get into the England squad.”
      It may have taken an injury on Ings’ debut to convince West Ham it wasn’t time to say cheerio to Antonio but that’s how fickle football fate can be.
      And if you were Eddie Howe, you might just be a bit more nervous about facing a Hammers side this weekend with Bowen and Antonio riding the crest of a wave.
      West Ham fans might have feared losing their popular striker but Derby fans went through worse last season when they thought they were about to lose their CLUB!
      This FA Cup clash was the sort of occasion Rams fans feared they might lose forever as they lurched from crisis to catastrophe and stared oblivion in the face.
      Derby’s financial meltdown led to debts of £60million and took them to the brink of extinction.
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      In fact this showpiece tie against the Premier League Hammers took place exactly one year after 2,000 Rams fans hit the streets and marched from the city centre to Pride Park in support of their club.
      Thankfully their SOS was answered and, under Paul Warne, the resurgent Rams came into this tie with the confidence of a side who had already navigated three rounds and were unbeaten in 19 games.
      Despite those impressive stats Moyes made six changes to the side which had beaten Everton and handed skipper Declan Rice a seat on the bench.
      But it didn’t seem to hamper the Hammers who proceeded to carry out a thoroughly professional job to set themselves up for a much tougher task against United at Old Trafford in the next round.
      They burst Derby’s unbeaten bubble with early goals in each half to maintain their recent recovery and ease the pressure on their gaffer.
      Bowen was first up as he continued where he left off when he sank Everton with a double in his last Premier outing.
      The 26-year-old missed out on Gareth Southgate’s final 26-man squad for Qatar when his goals dried up.
      But Bowen scored for the first time in the league since October to trounce the Toffees and he was back on target last night as he opened the scoring after 10 minutes.
      Tomas Soucek played a quick one-two with Antonio and as Bowen left the ball, the Czech nodded it into his path for Bowen to beat Joe Wildsmith with a cute flick of his left boot.
      That deflated Derby who only had one flashing volley from James Collins to show for their efforts as their Premier opponents kept them at bay.
      And West Ham put the tie beyond Warne’s men when Antonio caught them cold five minutes after the break.
      Bowen was at the heart of it again.
      His low cross from the right caught Craig Forsyth at full-stretch and the ball flipped off the defender into the air.
      Antonio came storming in at the back post and headed beyond Wildsmith from close range.
      Derby should have had a penalty when Ben Johnson crashed into Curtis Davies in the box but this was a comfortable win for West Ham.
      West Ham were drawn to face United just before kick-off and Bowen said: “I found out on the bench when I asked Dec. It’s tough. But you’ve got to beat the best to be the best.”
      It will see Moyes return to the club he managed for 11 months.
      Read More on The Sun
      He said: “We’ve got players who can play on the big stage and there’s none bigger than Old Trafford.”
      Derby chief Warne added: “I’m really proud. Before the match I showed them the video of the Derby fans marching to save the club and asked them to be the best version of themselves and they were.” More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Fans all say same thing as Hollywood A-listers Reese Witherspoon and Ashton Kutcher interviewed before live FA Cup draw

      by

      FOOTBALL fans were left bemused after Reese Witherspoon and Ashton Kutcher were interviewed before the FA Cup draw.The Hollywood actors appeared on The One Show to discuss their upcoming film Your Place or Mine.
      Reese Witherspoon and Ashton Kutcher were asked about investing in a football clubCredit: BBC
      Fans were bemused by the build-up to the FA Cup fifth round drawCredit: BBC
      But presenters Alex Jones and Jermaine Jenas also asked the actors about football ahead of the fifth-round draw.
      Witherspoon shared her love for Arsenal while Kutcher revealed he almost invested in a Premier League side last month.
      Kutcher said: “‘I’m a big United States soccer fan… but I do watch Premier League and I actually came very close to investing in a Premier League team in the last month.”
      Witherspoon was asked if she would invest and she replied saying: “Well if there’s space at Arsenal, all my sons, everybody would be really really excited because that’s our favourite team.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      “We watched the game the other day it was bananas, that’s our team.”
      Despite showing some knowledge fans were perplexed by the build-up to the draw.
      One fan said: “Watching Reese Witherspoon and Ashton Kutcher talk ‘soccer’ was pretty excruciating…roll on the 5th round draw please.”
      Another added: “Why have they got Reese Witherspoon and Ashton Kutcher talking before the draw 🧐.”
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      A third wrote: “Why should I need to watch Jermaine Jenas talk to Ashton Kutcher to see fa cup draw.”
      And another commented: “I’m sat watching Reese Witherspoon and Ashton Kutcher lie about liking football on The One Show all because I want to see us get drawn away to Stoke in the FA Cup fith round. You’ve won this round BBC.” More

    • 138 Shares119 Views

      in Soccer

      Ryan Reynolds’ shock takeover of Wrexham has surprising impact on town

      by

      HOLLYWOOD star Ryan Reynolds has triggered a jobs boom in Wrexham following his takeover of the city’s football team.The Deadpool actor and co-owner Rob McElhenney have been credited with creating a feelgood factor that has seen a surge in investment and employment opportunities.
      Ryan Reynolds has triggered a jobs boom in Wrexham following his takeover of the city’s football teamCredit: Getty
      One property firm has paid £136million for 56 acres at an industrial estate on the back of the celebrity duo’s takeover in February 2021.
      Tim Knowles, founder and managing director of FI Real Estate Management, which bought the land, said the two actors had created a real buzz in the North Wales city.

      He added: “There’s never been a more exciting time to be in Wrexham than 2023.
      “When our peers were looking towards the big cities in the South for development opportunities, we kept our focus on Wrexham.”
      Read More on Ryan Reynolds
      Reynolds, 46, and McElhenney, 45, have also been thanked for record sales at a local boozer after buying the National League club, who were denied a historic FA Cup fourth round shock on Sunday when a late equaliser by Championship side Sheffield United pegged them back to 3-3.
      The pair have drunk in The Turf, next to the club’s Racecourse Ground, several times — and the pub is featured in their Disney+ series Welcome To Wrexham.
      Turf landlord Wayne Jones, 40, said the show had sent thirsty tourists flocking to his bar — with the past three months the busiest he has known in 14 years.
      He added: “Wrexham as an economy was going through a bit of a rough time.
      Most read in Football
      “But Rob and Ryan coming in almost two years ago completely transformed the town. It’s thriving.”
      Wayne, said his trade has practically doubled thanks to the documentary.
      He said: “It’s been seen by millions around the world.”
      And more good times could be ahead, with a last 16 tie against Spurs the prize if they win their FA Cup replay. More