Chris cross over no VAR

PORTSMOUTH boss Kenny Jackett insisted that an FA Cup replay will not damage his side’s chances as they challenge on three fronts.

The League One promotionchasers looked to be heading for the Fifth Round for the first time since getting to the final nine years ago through a Joel Lynch own goal.

But Nahki Wells kept Championship side QPR’s hopes alive with a late leveller – before an ugly melee erupted moments afterwards.

Pompey, the 2008 FA Cup winners, are already one win away from a Checkatrade Trophy Wembley final.

But Jackett reckons a squad in need of transfer window reinforcements can keep it going.

Jackett said: “We look at the schedule positively. If we think we are tired or overloaded, then we will be. We should enjoy it, it is a huge challenge but we relish it.”

QPR boss Steve McClaren said: “With the wind and rain, it was a proper blood and thunder FA Cup tie.”

Brighton 0 West Brom 0 Ian Baker

CHRIS HUGHTON was seething after his Brighton side were held in the battle of the Albions.

The last thing the Seagulls boss wanted was a 360-mile round trip to the Midlands in a replay in 10 days’ time. And he believes referee Lee Mason was partly to blame after refusing to use VAR.

Hughton (below) felt Jurgen Locadia was brought down in the area by Kyle Bartley after Jonathan Bond had made one of several wonder stops to foil Dale Stephens. He said: “I thought it was a penalty. I don’t have too many complaints about the game, you’ve got a good West Brom team that have come here and earned a replay.

“On a day where we were picked as a VAR game and incidents that should be picked out, we saw it on the side and even if the referee hasn’t seen it, Locadia has gone down in the box.

“That’s one that should be picked up. It looks like a penalty.”