Underdogs bite back
> First time in FA Cup history two non-league teams have reached the 5th round
JAMIE COLLINS went from builder to hero yesterday as his penalty secured nonleague Sutton a 1-0 win over second-tier highflyers Leeds United and a place in the fifth round of the FA Cup for the first time.
Sutton, whose assistant coach Ian Baird ironically captained Leeds to the 1987 FA Cup semifinals, join Lincoln in the last 16, the first time in the competition’s history two nonleague clubs have reached the fifth round.
Leeds, who are fourth in the Championship, had captain Liam Cooper sent off for a second bookable offence in the second-half.
“It is a great day,” Collins told BBC Radio. “To beat Leeds is a fantastic achievement. I have got a lot of family here so that makes it even more special.
“On Friday I was on a building site.”
Sutton’s remarkable exploit followed two other upsets earlier yesterday with thirdtier Millwall beating Premier League Watford 1-0 and Championship outfit Fulham trouncing top-flight Hull 4-1.
A goal by former Wales international Steve Morison proved the difference between Millwall and a poor Watford.
It was Millwall’s second successive top level scalp after eliminating Bournemouth in the previous round.
There was to be no such glory for Championship side Wigan, FA Cup winners in 2013, as they were at the wrong end of a 4-0 humbling by Manchester United.
German World Cup winner Bastian Schweinsteiger hasn’t had an awful lot to smile about during his spell at United but he hit the target with a delightful overhead kick to round off the scoring.
“We deserved to win, the job is done and we are in the last 16,” United manager Jose Mourinho told the BBC.
“Overall I am happy with what we did. Some players more than others, but that is football.”
Millwall – finalists in 2004 – dominated the clash with Morison knocking the ball home from close range winner to beat Heurelho Gomes.
Millwall manager Neil Harris, the club’s all-time leading scorer, was proud of his players who extended their unbeaten run in all competitions to eight.
“I thought we were excellent,” Harris said.
“This club and team epitomise everything what the FA Cup is about. They are an honest bunch, organised and have quality and you can see that today.” – AFP