FA Cup Roundup: West Brom and Blackburn Cruise Through; Liverpool Come From Behind to Beat Palace
West Bromwich Albion were the first team to book a place in the FA Cup quarter finals with a comprehensive 4-0 win over Premier League rivals West Ham at the Hawthorns.
Brown Ideye, who came very close to leaving the Baggies on transfer deadline day, continued his remarkable transformation with a stunning brace.
It was the Nigerian forward who opened the scoring after 20 minutes with a well placed finish from close range. James Morrison doubled the lead with a stunning long range effort shortly before half-time, while Ideye made it three after the break with a bullet header past Hammers goalkeeper Adrian.Morgan Amalfitano was sent off for West Ham after a violent confrontation with Chris Brunt and moments later Saido Berahino rounded off the win with a stunning low finish.
Later on Saturday afternoon, Championship duo Blackburn Rovers and Reading also secured their places in the last eight.
Gary Bowyer’s Blackburn knocked out Swansea in the fourth round and didn’t let up in their performance against Stoke at Ewood Park. Peter Crouch had broken the deadlock for the top flight Potters early in the game, but goals from Josh King and Rudy Gestede turned the tie on its head before half-time.
Stoke’s Geoff Cameron had also been sent off for a professional foul and two further goals from King gave the Norwegian international the match ball as he completed his hat-trick and sent Rovers into the quarter finals.
Reading progressed at the hands of Derby County, despite trailing their opponents by 21 points in the Championship standings. Goals from Hal Robson-Kanu and January signing Yakubu were enough to give Steve Clarke’s side a confidence boosting 2-1 win.In the day’s evening kickoff, Liverpool were forced to come behind to see off the challenge of fellow Premier League side Crystal Palace.
Fraizer Campbell had given Alan Pardew’s team the lead at Selhurst Park and the Eagles went into the interval ahead. Daniel Sturridge struck with a volley shortly before the break to draw Liverpool level.
The second half also saw the arrival of Mario Balotelli and a free-kick from the Italian soon created the winner, as Adam Lallana pounced on a rebound to send his team through.The fifth round will continue on Sunday when Aston Villa face Leicester, Bradford host Sunderland and Middlesbrough travel to Arsenal.
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