KARL HAILS HIS HISTORY BOYS
KARL ROBINSON praised his Oxford history-makers after they sealed a clubrecord 16 games without defeat with a 1-0 victory at Walsall.
An 84th-minute strike by James Henry (above, centre) secured Oxford’s place in the third round – and a new record for the longest unbeaten run in single season.
Boss Robinson said: “That run is incredible and it’s all down to the players and the connection they have with the fans.
“We love being a part of this roadshow and you stand here with tremendous pride.”
Tom Pope fired PORT VALE into the third round with an eight-minute hat-trick at CHELTENHAM after Reuben Reid’s early spot-kick for the hosts.
Now lifelong Vale fan Pope wants to face local rivals Stoke for the first time in his career.
He said: “I would be disappointed if we got Man United away. I would be fuming! I want Stoke.”
Gethin Jones’ own-goal earned FOREST GREEN a replay at CARLISLE after a four-goal thriller.
Aaron Collins put Mark Cooper’s side ahead before Nathan Thomas struck twice for Carlisle and Jones turned the ball into his own net late on.
Liam Boyce struck his second close-range finish in five days to give BURTON a 1-0 success at
OLDHAM. Brewers manager Nigel Clough said: “It was another great team goal.”
Brett Pitman helped PORTSMOUTH escape an FA Cup embarrassment against Conference North ALTRINCHAM.
Ben Close put Pompey ahead but Josh Hancock looked to have secured a replay for the nonleaguers from the spot before Pitman hit home.
Pitman – who has struggled to force his way into Kenny Jackett’s side after a groin injury – said: “I can play No.9 or 10 – wherever the gaffer wants to use me.”
Josh Laurent and Brad Walker struck in the last 10 minutes as hosts SHREWSBURY saw off MANSFIELD.
Now boss Sam Ricketts is hoping Shrews’ place in the third round will boost his transfer budget.
He said: “An FA Cup run would be a good way of being able to spend a bit more without putting the club at risk.”
KINGSTONIAN boss Hayden Bird refused to be downhearted as his Isthmian Premier battlers went down to two firsthalf goals from FYLDE’S Jordan Williams.
He said: “The potential is there for all to see.”
Super-sub Marcus Barnes rescued a 1-1 draw for EASTLEIGH with his first touch after Owen Dale had put CREWE ahead.