Brighton’s fans had more trouble getting to the ground than their team did defeating Coventry, Nick Ames writes.
Southampton got the better of West Brom - read the report from The Hawthorns with all its taxi mentions.
Fulham proved they are capable of pushing for promotion back to the Premier League by beating Aston Villa, as Ben Fisher reports.
Full-time: Brighton 3-1 Coventry
No surprises at the Amex from the poor transportation to the result as the Premier League side waltz into the next round.
Barcelona have increased their lead through Jordi Alba and will extend their lead at the top of the table.
Championship results
Jose Mourinho was asked about Paul Pogba’s absence and how long the midfielder will be out, he told BT Sport: :“I don’t know, and honestly I don’t care.”
Not the best sign.
Full-time: West Brom 1-2 Southampton
Rondon scored a stunning goal to reduce the deficit but the damage was already done by Hoedt and Tadic to send the Saints through.
GOAL! Brighton 3-1 Coventry (Clarke-Harris, 77)
The Sky Blues have given themselves some hope after striker Clarke-Harris got a chance and stuck it into the back of the net from inside the area.
Updated
Shrewsbury are set to miss out on the opportunity to extend their lead at the top of League One as they are currently losing to Rotherham at home. Would be disappointing for the Shrews with Wigan not playing this week.
Burton have not managed to break down 10-man Nottingham Forest so Sunderland will avoid dropping to last place in the Championship at the current rate.
Updated
The big question of the day now is whether Southampton can hold on at West Brom. There is one certainty and that is that neither manager will want an extra game as they look to improve their league form.
It’s good to be back...
1386 - Leonardo Ulloa has scored his first goal for Brighton since May 2014 against Nottingham Forest - 1386 days ago. Return. pic.twitter.com/vf97B0Qu7r
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) February 17, 2018
RED CARD! Barcelona’s afternoon has been made a lot easier after Eibar’s Orellana was dismissed for his second booking.
GOAL! Brighton 3-0 Coventry (Ulloa, 61)
The striker is back at the club and back on the scoresheet as the big striker gets on the end of a Bruno cross to put send Brighton through.
Fulham are now 2-0 up against Aston Villa as Ayite spots Johnstone off his line and proves his point by scoring a stunner from distance.
Updated
Teams: Huddersfield v Manchester United
Huddersfield: Lossl, Kongolo, Billing, Van La Parra, Williams, Ince, Quaner, Mounie, Zanka, Schindler, Hadergjonaj.
Subs: Coleman, Smith, Malone, Whitehead, Hogg, Sabiri, Delpoitre.
Man United: Romero, Young, Lindelof, Smalling, Shaw, Matic, Carrick, McTominay, Mata, Lukaku, Sanchez.
Subs: Pereira, Hamilton, Bailly, Darmian, Gomes, Martial, Lingard.
Over in Wales...
43' - temporary stop in play. A recorded earthquake in the area. Incredible.
— Port Talbot Town FC (@PortTalbotTown) February 17, 2018
It’s certainly a new one on me.
No need for PSG to panic as after going behind in the sixth minute, they are 3-1 ahead in the 25th minute, Draxler, Neymar and Di Maria have all scored.
Ryan Sessegnon has put Fulham ahead against Aston Villa. This lad really is the real deal, isn’t he?
7 - Ryan Sessegnon has scored seven league goals so far in 2018 - only Manchester City's Sergio Aguero (9) has netted more in England's top four tiers. Flourishing. pic.twitter.com/RX1f5dG6qe
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) February 17, 2018
Six years after leaving the club, Shaun Miller has scored for Crewe to give them the lead against Colchester as they look to move away from the relegation zone. It’s his second this returning to the club on loan in January.
Updated
GOAL! West Brom 1-2 Southampton (Rondon, 59)
Things are not over at The Hawthorns as Krychowiak crosses one to the edge of the box where Rondon is waiting and he smashes it home!
Updated
GOAL! West Brom 0-2 Southampton (Tadic, 56)
Saints break on the Baggies and Tadic is the man who is offered the chance to finish off the stylish move and he does it with aplomb. Game over?
Updated
Could PSG’s week be going from bad to hilariously worse? Aholou has put Strasbourg 1-0 ahead after six minutes in the French capital.
Brighton are certainly dominating against Coventry. The Sky Blues will need to do plenty to get back into this match.
🔢 Some of the numbers from that first half...#BHAFC 🔵⚪️ pic.twitter.com/6iwgyk14up
— Brighton & Hove Albion ⚽️ (@OfficialBHAFC) February 17, 2018
The second-half goals are flying in as Danny Newton puts Stevenage out of sight against Yeovil, putting his side 3-0 up.
Half-time: Brighton 2-0 Coventry
It is very much as you would expect it to be as Locadia and Goldson eased the hosts in front after the delay to kick-off.
Kick-off (again)
West Brom and Southampton are playing once again. Can the Baggies do anything?
Messi really should improve his finishing...
Messi has scored 20 La Liga goals and has now hit the woodwork 15 times in the league, too. https://t.co/YuQm7n17Re
— Samuel Marsden (@samuelmarsden) February 17, 2018
It really is the magic of the FA Cup.
669 - Connor Goldson has scored his first competitive goal for Brighton since April 2016 versus QPR – 669 days ago. Rush.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) February 17, 2018
With Paul Pogba absent through illness for Manchester United later, Jose Mourinho has called Ethan Hamilton into the squad to face Huddersfield. The youngster played 90 minutes last night for the club’s under-23 side.
GOAL! Brighton 2-0 Coventry (Goldson, 34)
It looks like Brighton are heading through to the next round after defender Goldson jumps highest at the back post to head home a corner.
Updated
This delayed kick-off at Brighton is ruining my plan for a half-time tea break. Not that I drink tea, but I am not like Burnton, I do partake in coffee.
JR is not expecting any good news for West Brom.
He says: “The only real drama left for the second half at The Hawthorns is whether or not Pardew will remove McClean before he gets a red card.”
Updated
Half-time: West Brom 0-1 Southampton
Some poor marking cost the Baggies when they let Hoedt free at a corner to gives the Saints the lead.
Who had 15.42 in the sweepstake for the first person to say this?
“Taxi for Pardew?” It comes via email from Ian.
Updated
Can he maintain this record? If he scores every time he shoots, he will be a bargain.
1 - Jürgen Locadia has scored on his Brighton debut, netting with his first shot on target for the Seagulls. Impact.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) February 17, 2018
Barcelona are leading at Eibar. Suarez’s goal might be able to help the Catalans ease their way to a win ahead of their Champions League clash with Chelsea.
Updated
Peter emails in...
“A bunch of British footballers stole a taxi in Spain? I hope they drove on the right side of the road!”
If their marking is anything to go by, who knows?
GOAL! Brighton 1-0 Coventry (Locadia, 15)
It is the dream debut in the end for the striker who has put his new team ahead by netting from close range following a Knockaert cross in the delayed kick-off.
Updated
As Burton face 10 men, they could be set to pick up all three points and move off the bottom by overtaking Sunderland who are currently 2-0 down at home to Brentford. Chris Coleman might ask to go back to Wales.
The Arsenal slayer, Eric Lichaj, has seen red for Nottingham Forest at Burton Albion after a terrible challenge on Martin Samuelsen, who is currently on loan from West Ham. Not what Aitor Karanka will have wanted.
Marc Richards has equalised for Swindon against Port Vale, who are one his previous 10 clubs. A great journeyman.
West Brom’s marking here looks to be utterly atrocious.
Smart finish, @wesleyhoedt! 😎 #saintsfc pic.twitter.com/0eeikEIp7E
— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) February 17, 2018
OFF THE BAR! Nearly a dream debut for Locadia at Brighton as he got on the end of a knock down but he could only smash the ball against the crossbar. Better luck next time.
If Pardew wanted to embarrass any of his taxi-stealing stars, he might consider subbing him off for his own amusement. Not that it would really help him today seeing as they are already losing.
And we’re finally off at Brighton!
01: We are underway at the Amex Stadium. #BHAFC 0 #CCFC 0 #EmiratesFACup 🔵⚪️
— Brighton & Hove Albion ⚽️ (@OfficialBHAFC) February 17, 2018
No more pitch problems for Doncaster as Alex Kiwomya has scored for the home team against Fleetwood. Always great to see such a nostalgic name make some headlines.
GOAL! West Brom 0-1 Southampton (Hoedt, 11)
Defender Wesley Hoedt has made the week slightly worse for Pardew by volleying in a corner for Southampton. All very simple for the Saints.
Updated
Not too much going on around the country. Southend are leading at home against Portsmouth, while Karl Robinson’s Charlton are 1-0 up at his former club MK Dons.
This certainly is worth noting.
@Will_Unwin Worth noting that Chris Hughton was in the Spurs side that lost that iconic final. I like to think he's been nurturing a deep-seated sense of bitterness ever since, and this is his opportunity to finally secure his long-dreamed-of revenge.
— Robert Wolf Petersen (@robwolfpetersen) February 17, 2018
Seems to be a modern epidemic of kids and their signs in the search for memorabilia. Will it work?
📸 Young Albion supporters after the shirts worn by their heroes.#BHAFC 🔵⚪ pic.twitter.com/fbxVXOmCDy
— Brighton & Hove Albion ⚽️ (@OfficialBHAFC) February 17, 2018
A nice touch from the Sunderland fans as they sing Liam Miller’s name at the Stadium of Light.
🎶There’s only one Liam Miller. #SAFC pic.twitter.com/KUBJFpvc2C
— Simon O'Rourke (@sorourkeITV) February 17, 2018
A tough task ahead for Eibar, even though they are in fine form themselves.
7 - Eibar have lost their seven La Liga games vs @FCBarcelona , more than against any other side (same as Atlético). Full pic.twitter.com/tgI7Zj3vVw
— OptaJose (@OptaJose) February 17, 2018
Kick-off!
The whistle has gone at The Hawthorns and around the rest of the games in the country!
Miss Sheffield Wednesday v Swansea? Here is out report from the match.
Down at Doncaster there has been a minor issue with the pitch ahead of the game with Fleetwood.
Current scene at the Keepmoat Stadium. It seems a sprinkler system has exploded or something. Not quite sure what’s happening just yet! pic.twitter.com/dyedJPv0mx
— Craig Bratt (@craigybratt) February 17, 2018
Bad news for Jonny Evans who is not captaining West Brom today following his involvement in taxi-gate. Gareth McAuley will wear the armband.
Nick Ames has taken to Twitter to explain how hard his life is.
Seems to have been easier for me to get to the Amex from New York than for thousands of supporters to arrive smoothly from Brighton station. Kick-off delayed to 3.15pm.
— Nick Ames (@NickAmes82) February 17, 2018
“I’m driving!”
This is how I am picturing the act of Gareth Barry stealing a taxi pic.twitter.com/341miXjFJY
— Adam Hurrey (@FootballCliches) February 16, 2018
Brighton know how to win at home that is for sure. Would need
2- Brighton have only lost two of their last 15 FA Cup home games (W8 D5), with both defeats coming at the hands of Arsenal. Stronghold.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) February 17, 2018
Media outlets across the country are reporting earth tremors across the country, which is a novelty for Britain. Hopefully this will not impact on matches.
Further update from Nick: The congestion is the result of travel problems in the area.
Coventry’s trip to Brighton is somewhat of a free-hit for the League 2 team, according to Paul MacInnes.
Nick tells us that he believes the delay is related to crowd congestion at the ground.
The players were already out warming up at Brighton when the announcement was made. Our man at the Amex, Nick Ames, will provide us with some further details when he’s put down his sandwich.
A delay to the start at the Amex...
Will give you some more on this as I get it.
BREAKING: Kick-off for today's @EmiratesFACup tie has been delayed until 3.15pm.#BHAFC
— Brighton & Hove Albion ⚽️ (@OfficialBHAFC) February 17, 2018
J.R has emailed in to mention Pardew’s finest hours.
He said: “Good to see Barry and Evans rewarded with a start after disgracing the club and insulting the supporters. Good job, King Pards!
As for his wallet getting stolen, I guess the thief just saw it and said “I’m having that!”
“In case anyone isn’t familiar with the “King Pards” story:
https://www.balls.ie/football/alan-pardew-378605”
The best thing about today is that there is not too long a wait for the FA Cup quarter final draw. It is on this evening as opposed to being on The One Show, which is a relief to all. You will be able to join me for all the numbers being pulled out later.
Just in case you are one of those folk who can’t remember the joys of Coventry winning the FA Cup, here is a gently video reminder of their finest day.
It has been a great start to today’s FA Cup action as Sheffield Wednesday and Swansea play out a 0-0 draw. Can the 3pm kick-offs compete with that?
It is a proud day for Coventry at Brighton not just because they are in the fifth round of the FA Cup but due to the fact they have included six graduates from their own academy which is an impressively feat for a League 2 club.
I can assure you that Paul Pogba is not the only man suffering from illness today but some of us just have to get on with the job because we are professionals.
Gutted I won’t be at Huddersfield but I need to get better. Come on United 👊🏾 @ManUtd
— Paul Pogba (@paulpogba) February 17, 2018
Barcelona are playing at Eibar this afternoon in their tiny Ipurua stadium in the Basque Country as they prepare to face Chelsea. Sid Lowe spoke to Thomas Vermaelen about the ups and downs he has enjoyed/endured in his time at the Nou Camp.
There is a Brighton debut for Jurgen Locadia following his £14m move to the club in the transfer window. Breaking him in against a League 2 team might be a nice welcome for someone it is hoped will score the goals to guarantee survival in the Premier League.
West Brom are heading towards the drop so this is the last thing they will have wanted. Not to mention Pardew also having his wallet and phone stolen during the trip to Barcelona.
Teams: Brighton v Coventry
Brighton: Krul, Bruno, Goldson, Hunemeier, Suttner, Knockaert, Kayal, Stephens, March, Locadia, Ulloa.
Subs: Maenpaa, Rosenior, Izquierdo, Propper, Dunk, Baldock, Hemed.
Coventry: Burge, Grimmer, Willis, Hyam, Haynes, Shipley, Kelly, Bayliss, Barrett, McNulty, Clarke-Harris.
Subs: O’Brien, Kelly-Evans, Stokes, McDonald, Vincenti, Biamou, Ponticelli.
Referee: Craig Pawson
Teams: West Brom v Southampton
West Brom: Foster, Dawson, McAuley, Hegazi, Evans, Phillips, Krychowiak, Barry, McClean, Rondon, Rodriguez.
Subs: Myhill, Nyom, Yacob, Brunt, Gabr, Burke, Field.
Southampton: McCarthy, Cédric, Stephens, Hoedt, Bertrand, Lemina, Højbjerg, Ward-Prowse, Tadić, Redmond, Carrillo.
Subs: Forster, Bednarek, Pied, McQueen, Sims, Romeu, Gabbiadini.
Referee: Chris Kavanagh
Updated
Preamble
The failed West Brom stag party in Barcelona is something we’ll never be able to forget, especially as those involved are Pardew’s most trusted men who have let him and the rest of the team down. However, for the neutral, it is quite funny. In Pardew’s reign the club have stolen as many taxis as won Premier League games.
Speaking of people requiring taxis, if Southampton lose today Pellegrino might require a black cab to whisk him away from West Bromwich via the collection of his P45 as his side continue to struggle.
The big game not at The Hawthorns is Brighton hosting Coventry as the visitors look to relive their FA Cup glories and forget the fact they currently play in League Two. Brighton are focused on staying up while Mark Robins’s team will see a win as a morale booster as they look to get out of the fourth tier, so it could be ripe for an upset.
As there are so few games in the FA Cup and nothing in the Premier League, I will also be bringing you the best from here, there and everywhere.
Updated
