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      From a zip salesman and Zara sales assistant to an Arsenal legend’s son, meet the Tamworth stars out to stun Tottenham

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      AHEAD of facing Tottenham in Sunday’s FA Cup third round clash, Tamworth defender JORDAN CULLINANE-LIBURD gives SunSport the inside track.So who’s who in the Lambs dressing room, and what makes the National League side tick….Tamworth are dreaming of taking their amazing run to a whole new levelCredit: PAJordan Cullinane-Liburd has given a brutal assessment of even himself!Credit: RexJAS SINGH (building surveyor)The father figure of the team. Likes a laugh and a joke. But if we’ve won away and the beer is flowing, it’s Jas who reins us in. The only sensible goalie… ever!BEN CROMPTON (on loan from Sunderland)Fits in well with a non-league team for a full-time pro. Joins in with the fun and got a bit tipsy when we celebrated beating Burton in round two — so we had to ring the ‘sister taxi service’ to get him home!READ MORE TOP STORIESHAYDN HOLLIS (Chesterfield Under-18s coach)Childish beyond his 32 years with some terrific one-liners. An opposition fan was giving him grief so he cupped his hand to his ear twice and said: “Sorry, what are you saying?” Fan repeated it twice before Haydn grinned and asked how long he’d been a Parrot!Ben Crompton, on loan from Sunderland, needed a special lift homeCredit: RexFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMATT CURLIE (production company printing labels)He was our Mr Consistent last season but now he’s consistently injured, unfortunately. Still travels to away games, though, where he stands with the fans with a pint in hand!Ange Postecoglou cites little-known rule as he claims Tottenham hero Bergvall shouldn’t have got second yellow card JORDAN CULLINANE-LIBURD (IT software manager)I’m the s***house of the team who loves ruffling feathers. When I left Hereford for Tamworth some of their fans claimed I wasn’t good enough for them on social media. So I loved giving them my bulls-horns gesture when I scored against them!Most read in FA CupKENNEDY DIGIE (personal trainer)One of the quiet ones and a personal trainer so he’s a big boy! At our club you’re either way over the top or quiet — he’s definitely the strong silent type.CALLUM COCKERILL-MOLLET (zip salesman)A nutter, 100 per cent team clown… which every dressing room needs. Fit or injured he always travels with the team. When we won the league last season, we sprayed beer on the floor and CCM slid the length of the dressing room on his belly.LUKE FAIRLAMB (taxi driver)It’s a club tradition to bring in cakes and doughnuts for birthdays. Kyle Finn licked the last doughnut and Luke was about to eat it when he realised why it was such a soggy mess. The full-back was last seen chasing Finny out of the dressing room!BEN MILNES (Skipper/financial adviser)Top cricketer in his youth and the brother of Yorkshire’s Matt Milnes.When we play small-sided games the winners decide who puts the goalposts away. Ben picked my team, so we positioned the goalposts around his car so he couldn’t get out!!Tamworth skipper Ben Milnes hopes to hit Spurs for sixCredit: Roland LeonTom Tonks could have a blast against Tottenham with missile-like throwsCredit: RexTOM TONKS (sandwich business owner)He is our human catapult! Throws the ball absolutely miles. Annoying for us defenders because, even when standing he’s on the halfway line, we need to jog 60 yards forward to get into the opposition box!ALEX FLETCHER (under-18s football coach)Mr Domino’s-hoo-hoo! We joke about him being a bit portly since he returned from injury! On away trips whenever he has a slice of pizza someone will snap him and post it on the Group chat. Legend has it he holds a Tamworth record – at 12 slices!TOM McGLINCHEY (lecturer)Gives Marcel Marceau a run for his money. The complete opposite to Callum Cockerill-Mollet, his card-school buddy! ‘Gooch’ is a lecturer… but we’ve no idea of what, because he’s a man of so few words.KYLE FINN (bricklayer)Golf fanatic Finny sees more sand on the course than any building site! The most fined player on the team… for losing kit and unacceptable jokes. It’s rumoured his fines paid for last year’s Benidorm trip.Manager Andy Peaks is rated a ‘player’s dream’ by Cullinane-LiburdCredit: Roland LeonKAI WILLIAMS (Engineer)The footballer with no football brain. Makes it difficult for the opposition to know what he’s going to do next because he’s so clueless himself. Played Dan Creaney at Scrabble recently and the pair eventually called it quits after five hours… with the score deadlocked at 7-7!GEORGE MORRISON (on loan from Fleetwood)Shocked to learn he’s only 19, Must have had a beast of a paper round or living in Morecambe ages him. We tease his Lancs accent — how he says Coco Pops is a standing joke.CHRIS WREH (footballer)Football royalty — his uncle is Ballon d’Or winner George and his dad Christopher won the Double with Arsenal. We joke that the back of the bus is dangerous because that’s where the nutters sit — he’s slowly making his way there!Chris Wreh’s dad Christopher tasted Double glory with the Gunners in 1998Credit: RexAnd uncle George did even better – here winning the European player of the year award but also lifting the Ballon d’OrCredit: GettyDAN CREANEY (bricklayer/builder)Super striker and King of Strops! We have a Spinning Wheel of fines ranging from £10 to £60 to singing a Karaoke song on the coach. Dan spun a £40 fine recently for flouncing off the training pitch in a huff.BECK-RAY ENOROU (Zara sales assistant)Best and most energetic dancer. Dances a crazy lot for someone who doesn’t drink. Might be something to do with 12 Red Bulls he downs on team nights out.MUNASH SUNDIRE (marketing executive)Another quiet ones. Sat with the Milton Keynes card school until he moved house and joined the Leicester school… and has to listen to Callum Cockerill-Mollett!NATHAN TSHIKUNA (after-school club provider & gardener)Our creative genius with a cannon of a shot. Rapper who produces his own songs and released a few. They’re decent to be fair, definitely 8/10.READ MORE SUN STORIESANDY PEAKS (Tamworth manager)He’s a player’s dream. A real people person who loves joining in the banter. We told him with all the extra cash he’ll earn from turning full-time, he can afford to buy us all a new pair of boots!After beating Burton, the Lambs are in a rush to tackle SpursCredit: Getty More

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      FA Cup LIVE SCORES: Coventry beat Sheff Wed on PENALTIES, Man City thrash Class of 92-owned Salford 8-0 in huge derby

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      MANCESTER CITY thrashed Salford City 8-0 to cap a thrilling day of FA Cup action.League Two Salford are owned by Class of 92 Manchester United legends.Earlier today, Chelsea thrashed Morecambe and Trent Alexander-Arnold inspired Liverpool’s victory over Accrington Stanley.While Plymouth Argyle – rooted to the bottom of the Championship table – stunned Premier League Brentford 1-0 at the Gtech Community Stadium.Kick off times: 5.45pm/6pmFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow our live blog below…More from Pep on WalkerPep Guardiola admitted it is because the right-back hopes for a fresh start abroad.Pep added: “Maybe I’m wrong but I still am pretty convinced that there’s no-one in our job that doesn’t want to be where they are who can perform.“Kyle asked to explore, but it doesn’t mean it’s going to happen because you never know.“He has been our right back and given us something we haven’t had.“He’s been amazing but now in his mind he would like to go to another country and play for other reasons.”Copy linkCopiedWalker to leave Man CityPep Guardiola has said Kyle Walker wants to leave Man City THIS MONTH.Guardiola made the revelation following City’s 8-0 FA Cup triumph over neighbours Salford last night, which Walker did not feature in.The City boss said: “Two days ago Kyle asked to explore the option to play abroad.He asked after the treble, when Bayern (Munich) wanted him but the offer was not good enough.“He went to (director of football) Txiki (Begiristain) of course, and I prefer to play other players whose mind is here.”Copy linkCopiedFA’s statement on VARThe FA said in a statement: “Video Assistant Referees (VAR) will only be used in the 2024-25 Emirates FA Cup from the Fifth Round onwards.”It has been agreed that VAR will be utilised for every match in the Fifth Round of the competition through to the Final at Wembley Stadium, and will not be in operation for the Third and Fourth Rounds.”VAR has only been used in the Emirates FA Cup previously for matches at Wembley Stadium and at Premier League grounds due to the infrastructure, workforce and costs that are required for its operation.”This decision ensures that there is a consistent refereeing approach for all clubs taking part in the same stage of the competition.”Copy linkCopiedIs VAR used in the FA Cup third round?No. VAR is not being used in the FA Cup until the fifth round stage.Previously VAR was used in the FA Cup in the third and fourth rounds, but only at Premier League stadiums due to “due to the infrastructure, workforce and costs that are required for its operation.”Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedWhen is the 4th round draw?The FA Cup fourth round draw will take place on Sunday, January 12.The draw will take place following the conclusion of Arsenal’s blockbuster clash with Man Utd.The glamour tie kicks off at 3pm GMT, meaning the draw could begin at around 5pm GMT, depending on whether or not extra-time and possibly penalties are needed.FA Cup fourth round matches will be played across the weekend of Saturday, February 8.Copy linkCopiedFA Cup third round resultsBirmingham 2-1 Lincoln CityBristol City 1-2 WolvesMiddlesbrough 0-1 BlackburnLiverpool 4-0 AccringtonLeicester 6-2 QPRBournemouth 5-1 West BromBrenford 0-1 PlymouthChelsea 5-0 MorecambeExeter City 3-1 Oxford UtdNorwich City 0-4 BrightonNott’m Forest 2-0 Luton TownReading 1-3 Burnley (AET)Sunderland 1-2 Stoke City (AET)Leeds Utd 1-0 HarrogateCoventry City 1-1 Sheff Wed (AET)(Coventry win 4-3 on pens)Copy linkCopiedCoventry City beat Sheff Wed 4-3 on penaltiesCopy linkCopiedGoal – Norman Bassette (Coventry) 4-3That’s it!Bassette sends Coventry through as he drills it into the bottom corner.Copy linkCopiedSaved – Olaf Kobaki (Sheff Wed) 3-3The keeper saves once again to deny the visitors.He could be winning this match for Coventry today.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Jack Rudoni (Coventry) 3-3Calmly slotted into the bottom corner.No chance for the keeper with that one.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Shea Charles (Sheff Wed) 2-3What a great penalty!He drills it into the top corner to score.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Josh Eccles (Coventry) 2-2His right-footed shot nestles in the bottom left hand corner.They have seized the chance to get back into this shootout.Copy linkCopiedPenalty missed – Jamal Lowe (Sheff Wed ) 1-2Oh my word, he skies it over the bar.That could have put them in a winning position.Copy linkCopiedSaved – Jake Bidwell (Coventry) 1-2His penalty into the bottom corner is saved. Big chance for the visitors now.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Barry Bannan (Sheff Wed) 1-2The experienced midfielder slots into the bottom corner of the goal.Pure calmness from Bannan.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Viktor Torp (Coventry) 1-1No mistake as he slots home with the keeper going the right way.Coventry needed that to stay level in this shootout.Copy linkCopiedGoal – Josh Windass (Sheff Wed) 0-1His right-footed effort goes into the top corner.No keeper is saving that.Copy linkCopiedPenalty shootoutCopy linkCopiedFT: Coventry City 1-1 Sheff WedIt is penalty shootout for the first time in these third round ties.Always a harsh way to lose the game.Although is a buzz to win this way.Copy linkCopiedCoventry City 1-1 Sheff Wed118. There is still nothing to separate these sides.Creating clear-cut chances is proving to be a real problem.We could be heading to penalties here.Copy linkCopiedCoventry City 1-1 Sheff Wed115. Coventry have come out of the traps after the interval.They force four consecutive corners as they look to pile the pressure on.Sheff Wed finally have a breather at the back as Windass wins a free kick for the visitors.Copy linkCopiedCoventry City 1-1 Sheff Wed105. It is half-time in extra-time at the Coventry Building Society Arena.Still nothing to separate these two teams.One last motivational speech from the managers is needed to go and grab that place in the fourth round.Copy linkCopiedCoventry City 1-1 Sheff Wed101. Both sides are still looking to score a winner.They are creating half-chances and whoever manages to capitalise is likely to put their name in the draw.This is the most excitement we have seen in this game, the last fifteen minutes we have seen.Credit: AlamyCopy linkCopiedCoventry City 1-1 Sheff Wed97. With so few chances created in normal time, you have to wonder if we are going to see out first penalty shootout in this one.That said, nobody saw the Sheff Wed equaliser coming, deep into added time.One thing is for sure, the next goal wins this game.Copy linkCopiedCoventry City 1-1 Sheff Wed90+5. How about this for drama?Windass assists as a late corner comes in and Musaba smashes it home from inside the six-yard box.This one looks like it is heading to extra-time.Copy linkCopied More

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      I’m a Premier League star’s younger brother but I can make my own name in football as MANAGER in FA Cup giant-killing

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      LEWIS YOUNG wants to carry on the family legacy for Dagenham and Redbridge, who travel to Millwall on Monday.The National League side’s caretaker boss, 35, is younger brother of 39-year-old Manchester United great and current Everton full-back, Ashley.Lewis Young wants to carry on the family legacy for Dagenham and RedbridgeCredit: PAFA Cup winner Ashley Young beat his son Tyler’s side Peterborough on ThursdayCredit: RexAnd he was there on Thursday when Everton beat Peterborough, who had Ashley’s son Tyler, 18, on the bench.The Daggers have already KO’d Crewe and Wimbledon in the Cup and Lewis wants his name up in lights, too.And Young – a fan of the Red Devils – aims to add his own name to his family achievements.He said “It was fantastic going up to Goodison, to be there was a dream for me and the whole family were dotted around.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS“We nearly made it a sell-out because of the amount of us that went up.“We’ve had some fantastic memories from football, as a family.“I was at the FA Cup semi-final and final last year with my son, and we’re Manchester United fans so to celebrate that together was brilliant.“Looking back further seeing Ashley winning it and back in the day celebrating around the house like Ryan Giggs, it has really lovely memories – but I’m trying to create my own with Dagenham.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSYoung took over on Boxing Day after previous boss Ben Strevens left the club, and was quick to praise the former Daggers chief.He added “I thought Ben was fantastic for us, and he’s a long-term friend.“We had an evening at Crystal Maze in Leicester Square, and he was the one changing what we did during the week into the FA Cup game.”Why Daniel Levy will be fed PIE & CHIPS with Tottenham in for FA Cup shock at part-time TamworthAshley Young won the FA Cup with Man Utd in 2016Credit: Getty Images – Getty More

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      ‘I’m crying, bro disappeared’ say fans as fuming Savinho helped back to his feet after tumbling into advertising boards

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      SAVINHO was left fuming after tumbling into advertising boards during Man City’s FA Cup tie with Salford.The two Manchester-based sides clashed at the Etihad on Saturday.Savinho took a heavy fall in Man City’s FA Cup tie with SalfordThe Brazilian was not happy after crashing into the hoardingsSavinho found himself among several photographersHe raged at opponent Curtis Gilt after being helped upCredit: PAThe gulf in class quickly became apparent as City raced into a 3-0 lead.But Savinho was not a happy bunny after taking a huge fall into the side hoardings.The winger entered a tussle with defender Curtis Gilt while running towards the touchline.Savinho and his opponent refused to give up the chase as the ball headed towards the edge of the field.But as Gilt went to shield it for a throw-in, he collided with Savinho.The former Girona man went flying off the pitch.And he crashed into the side hoardings, knocking a few photographers along the way.Savinho was helped to his feet by the members of the media as Gilt also offered a hand.Most read in FA CupFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut the City star was far from pleased and fumed at Gilt as the pair walked back onto the pitch together.Fans certainly found the incident amusing though.Kyle Walker’s wife Annie is SCRAPPING her £27m divorce bid as cheating Man City star eyes £400k-a-week moveOne said: “Savinho wtf bro. I’m crying, bro disappeared.”Another declared: “Poor sportsmanship.”One noted: “Hopefully nothing serious.”Another added: “Never want to see a player go down like that.” More

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      Why is Ryan Giggs on the touchline for Salford City in their FA Cup clash at Man City?

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      SALFORD CITY are taking on Premier League giants Manchester City in a thrilling FA Cup third-round derby.And you may notice a very familiar face on the touchline for the League Two Ammies.Ryan Giggs on the touchline alongside Salford head coach Karl RobinsonCredit: GettyWhy is Ryan Giggs on the touchline for Salford?Ryan Giggs is joint-owner of Salford alongside fellow Class of 92 Manchester United legends Gary and Phil Neville, Nicky Butt, Paul Scholes and David Beckham.And in his role as Director of Football of the club, former Wales manager Giggs is also a regular presence on the touchline alongside Ammies’ head coach Karl Robinson.The ex-winger hasn’t held a regular managerial position since leaving the Welsh national team in 2022.MAN CITY VS SALFORD LIVE – LATEST UPDATESThe 51-year-old became Wales boss in 2018, before being arrested on assault charges two years later.He has always denied any wrongdoing, and stepped down from the role in June 2022 ahead of his trial, where a jury failed to reach a verdict.Giggs has slowly returned to the touchline in recent months at Salford, as he eyes a return to football management.Speaking ahead of Salford’s crunch FA Cup tie with Man City, Giggs revealed he is determined to return to management “one day”.Most read in FA CupThe United legend – regarded as the most hands-on member of the Class of 92’s ownership group – told the BBC: “I had the stint as Wales manager and loved it.”At the moment I’m enjoying being at Salford as director of football and enjoy watching the team, happy where I am. More

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      Chelsea player ratings: Tyrique George thrives in rare run-out but Marc Guiu anonymous in FA Cup demolition job

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      TYRIQUE GEORGE was involved in THREE of Chelsea’s five goals as the Blues cruised past Morecambe to reach the fourth round of the FA Cup.League Two strugglers Morecambe’s low block had frustrated Enzo Maresca’s side, with Christopher Nkunku scuffing an early penalty.Christopher Nkunku saw his penalty saved in the 17th minuteCredit: PATosin Adarabioyo’s scored twice from distance to put Chelsea in controlCredit: RexTeenager Tyrique George assisted both of Joao Felix’s goalsCredit: AFPTosin’s deflected potshot strike broke Morecambe’s stubborn shape and lifted the mood among the anxious home fans in the 39th minute.A quick and slick Chelsea move doubled their lead shortly after half-time, before Tosin’s long range beauty finished Morecambe off.Two late goals from Joao Felix added to Chelsea’s tally to seal the Premier League side’s place in the next round.Here SunSport’s Katherine Walsh rates the Chelsea players at Stamford Bridge. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFilip Jorgensen – 5 Never really troubled in the Chelsea net but made a couple of shaky collections.Found time to showboat with some pretty flicks in the first-half, but dropped the ball in a dangerous position a few minutes later.Reece James – 7The injury prone England fullback lapped up the perfect chance to get his first start since November 3.Assisted Chelsea’s first after teeing up Tosin and was swapped out at half-time – to most lucky protect his fitness.Most read in FootballAxel Disasi – 6Turned inside out for a one rare Morecambe attack, but challenged very little throughout the game. Saw himself in prime position to nab a back post header, but missed a sitter to make it 3-0 just after leaning back on the hour mark.Tosin Adarabioyo – 8Many would have been shocked he was left out at Palace but the defender effectively secured Chelsea’s place in the next round.His fluke shot broke the deadlock from a wicked deflection off Morecamebe’s Callum Jones, who naively turned his back.But his second was nothing short of sensational after he curled the ball in from 20 yards. Pick that out your net.Tosin Adarabioyo’s deflected shot opened the scoring just before half-timeCredit: AlamyRenato Veiga – 5Veiga, who has been strongly linked with a move away from Chelsea in recent days, often wasn’t strong enough against Ben Tollitt.The left-back was unlucky to see his effort saved but his shot dropped back to Nknuku who scored.Romeo Lavia – 5The Belgian, who has been absence for Chelsea’s last five Prem fixtures, had quiet first 45 minutes.The former Southampton star was replaced by Marc Cucurella at half-time.Joao Felix – 7Involved in the early Chelsea pressure with a several shots just wide inside the first 30 minutes.Did well to keep the ball in play and win a penalty in the first half, before forcing Burgoyne into an outstanding save just before the half-hour mark.Kept working hard after the interval and was rewarded with two quickfire goals late on.Joao Felix scored two quickfire goals as Chelsea romped to victoryPedro Neto – 5Was the only player to keep his place from the 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace last weekend. Was dangerous whenever he got the ball as he stretched his legs to showcase his pace, but lacked an end product.Christopher Nkunku – 6Perhaps dented his hopes of a Premier League start after his limp penalty was easily saved by keeper Harry Burgoyne’s full stretch. The League Two stopper looked to have been marginally off his line, but it was a weak shot nonetheless.The Frenchman made up for it after rifling the ball into the low corner to double Chelsea’s lead five minutes after the break.Nkunku avenged his penalty miss just after half-timeCredit: RexTyrique George – 8Grabbed his rare start by the scruff of the neck with some clever footwork and crosses inside the box, but lacked in end product early on.The youngster who has more than impressed in his time at Chelsea so far was probably their most eloquent attacker on the afternoon.The 18-year-old was involved in the second after quickly feeding the ball to Cucurella, who teed up Veiga’s blocked shot into the path of goalscorer Nknuku.And assisted both of Joao Felix’s goals after two fast breaks in the 70th and 75th minute.Tyrique George worked hard throughout his 90 minutesCredit: GettyMarc Guiu – 4Anonymous today. He only had three touches in the first-half but was starved of service.The Spaniard the opportunity to open the scoring midway through the first half but fired his effort into the side netting.SubsGusto (’46 James) – 6Struggled to get into the game as his team-mates ran rampant in the second half.Cucurella (‘ 46 Lavia) – 8The Premier League starter added some much needed impetus after half-time.The Spain star grabbed two assists, first for Nkunku and later for Felix’s second and Chelsea’s fifth.READ MORE SUN STORIESHad a couple of shots marginally go wide on several occasions. Sancho (’46 Neto) – 5Tried to get on the ball but didn’t excel against lower league defenders. More

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      Chelsea 5 Morecambe 0: Tosin and Joao Felix score two apiece as Blues go goal-mad to reach FA Cup fourth round

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      IF CHELSEA fans could make a song out of Tosin Adarabioyo’s name they should.The linguistically awkward defender ended his club’s run of four games without a win by scoring in each half.Tosin Adarabioyo scored twice as Chelsea smashed Morecambe 5-0Credit: ReutersJoao Felix also bagged a brace at Stamford BridgeCredit: ReutersChristopher Nkunku missed a penalty before hitting the target later onCredit: ReutersThe second was a peach of a 25 yarder that smashed into the top corner with 20 minutes to go that finally killed off fading hopes of a fightback by gutsy Morecambe.The ice-cool, deliberate finish was in stark contrast to his and Chelsea’s first in the 39th minute that took a hefty deflection off Shrimps’ defender Callum Jones as the Premier League side needed a slice of luck to get off the mark.Centre half Tosin was signed in the summer partly for his leadership qualities and led the way in important moments in what could easily have become a tricky afternoon for the Blues.Morecambe keeper Harry Bourgoyne saved a penalty in the 16th minute and moments later produced a cracking reaction dive to block Joao Felix as the League Two side put up a fight.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLChelsea were also missing chances as usual until Tosin stepped up at key moments to ease the pressure and eventually watch his team ease into the fourth round of The FA Cup.His second goal was the third for boss Enzo Maresca’s rejigged team and settled the tie beyond any doubt.From there it became an exhibition with Joao Felix going onto help himself to two goals in five minutes. One was a fancy shimmy and curled effort into the corner of the net from outside the box for 4-0.Most read in FA CupFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd unsettled Christopher Nkunku also got on the scoresheet, following up on a spilled save by Morecambe’s otherwise flawless keeper Burgoyne to blast home a shot in the 50th minute.Nkunku is a troubled player at the moment with his future far from certain.Gianfranco Zola reveals Cole Palmer pledge as Chelsea icons meet for first time after EA FC comment Tosin gave Chelsea the lead shortly before the breakCredit: ReutersNkunku made up for his missed penalty by doubling Chelsea’s leadCredit: GettyTosin put the game to bed with his second of the gameCredit: GettyThe fact only two of his 13 goals this season have come against Premier League teams tells a story.He has been relegated to target practice in the Conference League and has scored against Panathinaikos, Gent, Servette and Heidenheim, as well as Barrow in the Carabao Cup.Chelsea boss Maresca fielded a reshuffled team to give some of his B-listers a runout and put others like Nkunku in the shop window.There was also a half for club captain Reece James as he continues his recovery from a hamstring injury.There was also a 45 minute test run for recently-crocked midfielder Romeo Lavia.Felix lashed home his first strike soon afterCredit: ReutersHe added a second quickly after as Chelsea romped to victoryCredit: GettyEnzo Maresca will be hoping for a favourable tie in tomorrow’s fourth-round drawCredit: RexThis is Chelsea’s first win since beating Shamrock Rovers 5-1 in the Conference League on December 19. Since then they have drawn to Everton, lost to Fulham and Ipswich and drawn at Crystal Palace. More

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      Is VAR used in the FA Cup 3rd round? Video Assistant Referee ruling for the cup

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      THE FA Cup third round is here as the Premier League’s giants join in from this stage.But how does the video assistant referee system work with the lower league clubs, and when is it being used from?VAR in use in the FA Cup last seasonCredit: The TimesLast season, Manchester United won the FA Cup by defeating local rivals Manchester City 2-1 at Wembley.However, manager Erik ten Hag was sacked later in the year in October after earning a reprieve by winning the cup.On the way to reaching the final, United received an almighty VAR call in their favour in their semi-final victory over Coventry City.This time round, United are opening up with a blockbuster all-Premier League clash at Arsenal.But will the video assistant referee (VAR) be used in the match?Coventry had VAR heartbreak against Man Utd last seasonCredit: GettyIs VAR used in the FA Cup 3rd round?No. VAR will not be used in the FA Cup until the fifth round stage.Previously VAR was used in the FA Cup in the third and fourth rounds, but only at Premier League stadiums due to “due to the infrastructure, workforce and costs that are required for its operation.”The FA said in a statement: “Video Assistant Referees (VAR) will only be used in the 2024-25 Emirates FA Cup from the Fifth Round onwards. Most read in FA Cup”It has been agreed that VAR will be utilised for every match in the Fifth Round of the competition through to the Final at Wembley Stadium, and will not be in operation for the Third and Fourth Rounds. “VAR has only been used in the Emirates FA Cup previously for matches at Wembley Stadium and at Premier League grounds due to the infrastructure, workforce and costs that are required for its operation. “This decision ensures that there is a consistent refereeing approach for all clubs taking part in the same stage of the competition.”What FA Cup third round games are on TV?Thursday, January 97pm – Sheffield United vs Cardiff City (BBC Wales)7.45pm – Everton vs Peterborough United (BBC iPlayer)7.45pm – Fulham vs WatfordFriday, January 107.45pm – Wycombe Wanderers vs Portsmouth8pm – Aston Villa vs West Ham United (ITV1, ITVX and STV)Saturday, January 1112pmBristol City vs Wolverhampton WanderersBirmingham City vs Lincoln CityMiddlesbrough vs Blackburn Rovers12.15pmLiverpool vs Accrington Stanley (ITV1, ITVX and STV)3pmExeter City vs Oxford UnitedPreston North End vs Charlton AthleticAFC Bournemouth vs West Bromwich AlbionReading vs BurnleySunderland vs Stoke CityNottingham Forest vs Luton TownBrentford vs Plymouth ArgyleNorwich City vs Brighton & Hove AlbionChelsea vs Morecambe (BBC Extended Highlights)Leicester City vs Queens Park Rangers (BBC Extended Highlights)5.45pmMan City vs Salford City (BBC One and iPlayer)Leeds United vs Harrogate Town (BBC iPlayer)6pmLeyton Orient vs Derby CountyCoventry City vs Sheffield WednesdayMansfield Town vs Wigan AthleticSunday, January 1212pmHull City vs Doncaster Rovers12.30pmTamworth vs Tottenham Hotspur (ITV1, ITVX and STV)3pmArsenal vs Man Utd (BBC One and iPlayer)Newcastle United vs Bromley (BBC iPlayer)Ipswich Town vs Bristol RoversCrystal Palace vs Stockport County4.30pmSouthampton vs Swansea City (BBC Wales)READ MORE SUN STORIESMonday, January 137.30pm – Millwall vs Dagenham & Redbridge (ITV4 and ITVX) More