Fifth round FA Cup action started on Friday at Loftus Road where Queens Park Rangers welcomed the visit of Watford. Etienne Capoue’s strike just on the stroke of half time was enough to separate the two sides as the Hornets progressed.

A first goal in English football since 2012 for Ashley Cole caused some late drama in the Saturday kick off at the Amex stadium. Going into the break 2-0 ahead, Brighton looked comfortable in what was a fine first half for the Seagulls.

However, Cole’s strike with ten minutes to go set up a frantic finish to the match, with Derby battling hard, throwing everyone forward towards the dying embers. Chances went begging as Brighton booked their place in the quarters.

Murray Wallace’s first half header was enough for Millwall as they scraped past League One side, Wimbledon. Things could have been so different had Wimbledon substitute, Dylan Connolly, took a guilt edged opportunity at the death. His close range effort sailed over the bar, effectively sealing the Don’s fate.

Newport County’s heroic FA cup run came to an end Saturday evening as Manchester City claimed a 4-1 victory at Rodney Parade.

Going in at half time with the deadlock yet to be broken, Pep Guardiola’s men found it difficult to cut through a stubborn Newport defence. However, the constant pressure eventually told with Leroy Sane stinging a powerful shot through the gloves of keeper, Joe Day.

Phil Foden doubled their lead before a delicate dink from striker Padraig Amond in the 88th minute gave some unlikely hope to the League 2 side. That hope was put to bed almost instantly as two quick fire goals from Foden and Riyad Mahrez rubbed salt in the wounds of a brave Newport.

All smiles in the end as City’s quadruple hopes remained intact – image courtesy of Manchester Evening News 

At Ashton Gate, Premier League side Wolves prevailed over Bristol City  1-0. Ivan Cavaleiro’s 28th minute goal was ultimately between the two sides.

Despite Wolves dominating large parts of the early stages the home side grew into the game, changing to a back three and applying more pressure on the visitors in the second half. Nevertheless, the visitors held on to book their place in the last eight.

Swansea also secured their place in the hat with a 4-1 victory over Brentford. The latter dominated proceedings at the Liberty stadium with Ollie Watkins putting the London side ahead.

The half time whistle was a welcome relief for the home side, giving them enough time to regroup. The second half started an indeed they did, with the Swans rallying from behind to put four in the net. A straight red on the hour mark of Ezri Konsa only compounded Brentford’s misery as they were sent crashing out.

Doncaster’s hopes off a cup shock soon suffered when Jeffrey Schlupp put Crystal Palace ahead in the first eight minutes. Max Meyer was also on target as the former Schalke man scored on the stroke of half time when Andros Townsend headed the ball into the German’s path to slot in from a few yards out.

Doncaster attempted a fightback in the second half but Palace withstood the pressure and progressed to the quarters.

Paul Pogba celebrates as he grabs the second in a man of the match performance – photo credit: The Guardian

The fifth round concluded at Stamford Bridge with Manchester United visiting in what promised to be a mouthwatering clash.

The game began at a high tempo, with both teams tussling to get themselves on top. On the half an hour mark, Paul Pogba found himself down the left before picking out the run of Ander Herrera in the box with a sumptuous cross.

United’s ruthlessness was again on show on the stroke of half time; after laying the ball out wide for Marcus Rashford, Pogba got himself in the box and on the end of a precise cross, beating the despairing Kepa Arrizabalaga.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side were able to sit in for large parts of the second half, with Chelsea looking devoid of ideas in attack and toothless in defence. They were able to comfortably see the game out and book their place in the quarter finals.