Cup ties proved to be a downer

7:30am Tuesday 6th January 2009

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ON the whole, the FA Cup third round provided little to get excited about.

Forest Green Rovers’ seven-goal thriller against Derby and Southend’s last-gasp equaliser at Chelsea aside, there were only a few other matches that got the pulse racing on one of the most eagerly-anticipated dates in the football calendar.

Perhaps it was because of the weather, maybe because of the money culture that has sadly dropped the world’s most famous knock-out competition down the pecking order, but there was something missing at the weekend.

How the fourth round draw changed all that. Liverpool and Everton the first, and easily outstanding, tie out of the hat swiftly followed by Manchester United against Tottenham.

Added to the enticing mix was an East Midlands showdown between old rivals Derby and Nottingham Forest and the prospect of non-league Kettering Town hosting Premier League Fulham.

With those almost certain to be the television ties, there is plenty to keep even the most disenchanted fan occupied.

The Merseyside derby, a repeat of the 1986 and 1989 finals, is even more intriguing given that the cup clash comes just days after the bitter rivals meet in the Premiership.

Also, the two teams have not met in the competition since a 4-4 fifth round replay draw at Goodison Park in 1991.

Who said the magic and romance of the cup was dead?