Comedy goal undoes comedy team

United breezed into the third round of the FA Cup today, urinating on the opposition in front of the whole nation, with superstar Jefferson Louis being accredited the goal which slowly crept into the goal in front of the United supporters. Louis flicked on a longish throw from Scott McNiven and the bounce of the ball was such that Bart Griemink got confused, obviously unaware that round things roll. The opposition was just too inferior and had no reply, unable to breach United's strong rearguard. Indeed Steve Basham should have put the game beyond reach, and McNiven almost did with a long-range drive.

Ian Atkins made just one change from the team that beat Lincoln last week, bringing Jefferson Louis into attack with David Oldfield not even on the bench. Dean Whitehead came on for the superb Bobby Ford in the 87th minute and central defender Abdou Sall came on for a storming debut performance, replacing Basham up front with about 15 seconds remaining.

Referee K D Hill was too often overly fussy, as he was when we played Scunthorpe earlier this season, and he showed yellow cards to Matt Robinson for a perfect tackle and Louis for being too rough on the delicate oppo fullbacks. The attendance was 11,645, including my Mum. Check out a match report, of sorts, here.

In yesterday's FA Cup games Phil Bolland put Chester ahead at Morecambe, but Mark Wright's team eventually lost 3-2. Nigel Jemson scored twice as Shrewsbury put Barrow out 3-1. In the Conference Mark McGregor scored the winner for Nuneaton Borough, who beat Barnet 3-2.

Arse!

United's reward for dumping on the Moonrakers is a visit to Highbury in the third round, probably on Saturday 4th January although possibly on the 5th if the TV people see sense again. The Cup holders will probably already be pondering how Thierry Henry will cope with the pace of Matt Bound, whilst Wheatley boy Martin Keown will be scared witless by the thought of a bashing from Jefferson Louis. Oh yes, we wonder who we'll get in the fourth round?