FA Cup wrap: Chelsea held, Crawley run continues

Reigning champions Chelsea were forced to an FA Cup fourth-round replay after being held to a 1-1 draw by Everton on Saturday.

At a sunny Goodison Park, a tight first half saw scores remain deadlocked before David Moyes’ side came out firing in the second period.

Former Manchester United striker Louis Saha gave the hosts a deserved lead after 62 minutes and they could have gone two in front moments later, but Michael Essien produced a superb block to keep Everton’s lead at just one goal.

Essien’s intervention proved crucial as Chelsea quickly re-grouped and snared a 75th minute equaliser, with Salomon Kalou coming off the bench to keep his side’s FA Cup hopes alive.

Brazilian midfielder Ramires hit the post with a stunning shot from distance in the dying stages, but Everton clung on for a replay at Stamford Bridge, which will cause further congestion in Chelsea’s fixture as they look to mount a title push.

Crawley Town became the first non-league side to reach the fifth round in 17 years after a 1-0 away win at League Two side Torquay.

After a victory over Championship outfit Derby County in the fourth round, Matthew Tubbs kept Crawley’s fairytale run alive with a 39th minute goal, his eighth strike in just seven games.

When Torquay striker Chris Zebroski was given a second yellow card in as many minutes and sent off, Tubbs had the chance to double Crawley’s lead from the penalty spot.

But the striker, who has scored 23 goals in 22 Conference matches for his club this season, missed his penalty and kept the match alive.

Despite Crawley defender Dean Howell’s 83rd minute sending off, Torquay could not muster a late equaliser as 1200 travelling fans celebrated a famous victory.

In other games, Robert Pires was on the scoresheet as Aston Villa defeated Blackburn Rovers 3-1, while in the day’s other all-Premier League tie Bolton and Wigan played out a goalless draw at the Reebok Stadium.

Kevin Phillips struck the winner as Birmingham came from two goals down to defeat Coventry City 3-2, while a Chris Eagles double helped Burnley to a 3-1 home win over League Two strugglers Burton Albion.

League One leaders Brighton and Hove Albion surprised Championship high-flyers Watford with a 1-0 away win, while another League One side caused an upset with Leyton Orient toppling Swansea 2-1 thanks to Alan Tate’s 88th minute own goal.

Shane Long scored with just three minutes remaining to give Reading a 2-1 away win at Stevenage and Clinton Morrison scored two second-half penalties in Sheffield Wednesday’s come-from-behind 4-1 win over Hereford United.