Villa wait on Merseysiders as Derby book United tie

Aston Villa were left waiting Wednesday for extra-time, and possibly penalties, to determine whether Everton or Liverpool would be their opponents in the last 16 of the FA Cup.

The fourth round replay between the Merseyside rivals at Goodison Park ended in a goalless draw after 90 minutes, forcing an additional half-hour and a possible shoot-out in a match which had to end with a winner.

Their fellow Premier League high-flyers Villa earlier Wednesday beat second-tier Championship side Doncaster 3-1 in a fourth round replay.

In another replay, Derby came from 2-0 down to beat arch East Midlands rivals Nottingham Forest 3-2 and so secure a glamour fifth round tie at home to English, European and world champions Manchester United.

Premier League rivals Blackburn and Sunderland also found themselves playing extra-time after a 1-1 draw at Ewood Park, with the winners knowing they would be at home to 1987 Cup winners Coventry City in the fifth round.

At Goodison, the first-half was notable only for the sight of inspirational Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard limping off with what appeared to be a hamstring injury.

Leon Osman with 20 minutes left in the match, had a chance to win the tie for Everton but his close-range shot hit the near post. Villa scored twice in the space of four minutes against Championship strugglers Doncaster.

Steve Sindwell put them ahead in the 15th minute when he followed up after Neil Sullivan blocked Craig Gardner’s initial shot.

Former Wimbledon keeper Suliivan was then left stranded when Norway striker John Carew’s 20-yard shot took a deflection and looped into the net.

But Doncaster hit back on the stroke of half-time when Jason Price’s miscued shot beat Brad Guzan in the Villa goal.

However, Nathan Delfouneso settled the hosts’ nerves by making it 3-1 with a header from Nicky Shorey’s cross.

Sunderland took the lead when David Healy was ruled onside before beating Paul Robinson in the seventh minute.

But South Africa defender Aaron Mokoena drew Blackburn level before half-time with a spectacular 25-yard strike. A see-saw match at the City ground saw Forest build an early lead.

Chris Cohen put the hosts in front in the second minute with a powerful shot before Nathan Tyson made it 2-0 from the penalty spot 12 minutes later after being brought down by Derby keeper Stephen Bywater, who avoided a red card.

But Derby, managed by former Forest favourite Nigel Clough, got back into the game before the break with a powerful Rob Hulse header.

And Clough, whose late manager father Brian won the English title with both clubs back in the 1970s, saw Paul Green draw Derby level on the hour mark before Kris Commons put the Rams in front against his old club.