Pompey lifted by Mokoena
after extra time
COVENTRY CITY (1) vs PORTSMOUTH (2)
A DRAMATIC winner in the dying seconds of extra time from Aaron Mokoena saw Premier League strugglers Portsmouth edge out Coventry in a cup thriller at the Ricoh Arena.
The Championship side deservedly went a goal ahead thanks to a superb strike from Leon Best, and it looked to be enough to win the tie until an unfortunate own goal from captain Stephen Wright in injury-time forced an extra 30 minutes.
City looked to have held on for penalties until Mokoena popped up with his first goal for his club.
A second-half strike from Barry Ferguson ensured Birmingham squeezed into the fourth round at the expense of plucky Nottingham Forest.
Ferguson sealed victory on the hour-mark, curling home after a clever one-two with Christian Benitez to earn Alex McLeish’s high-flying Blues a fourth-round tie at Everton.
The goal, however, was harsh on Championship battlers Nottingham Forest, who enjoyed the lion’s share of possession only to rue a host of chances, notably from Nathan Tyson and David McGoldrick.
League One Millwall came within six minutes of beating Championship side Derby in extra time, only to go down 5-3 on penalties. Steve Morison put them in front in the extra period until Steve Davies forced spot kicks.
Also through is Sheffield United, who secured a thrilling 3-2 away win at Queens Park Rangers to earn a fourth-round tie at Bolton.
Lee Williamson gave the Blades an early lead before two goal in two minutes from Jamie Ward and Richard Cresswell put them in control.
Rangers hit back immediately through Akos Buszaky’s penalty before Damion Stewart set up a rousing finale, but the visitors held on.
Substitute Gavin Williams netted a tremendous injury-time equaliser to earn Bristol City a replay with Cardiff, who led through Michael Chopra.