Regular kick-off time in FA Cup Third Round…05/01/2019

The regular 3pm kick-off time featured several Irish players in FA Cup third round action on Saturday afternoon. The Aston Villa duo of Glenn Whelan and Scott Hogan started against visitors Swansea City who crushed them by three goals to nil with both Whelan and Hogan substituted during the second half. Richard Keogh and Derby County came from two goals down to draw with visitors Southampton and Shane Long at Pride Park. James McCarthy was named alongside Seamus Coleman on the Everton substitute bench, where they remained for the two one victory over League Two leaders Lincoln City. Greg Cunningham was unused on the Cardiff City substitute bench as they went down to a one nil defeat at League One side Gillingham while Peterborough United, also of League One, included goalkeeper Conor O’Malley in their starting eleven at Middlesbrough, where they crashed to a five nil defeat. Darren Randolph was rested by the victorious hosts. Manchester United scored a comfortable two nil victory over visitors Reading for whom midfielder Liam Kelly caught the eye with some cultured play. The former Ireland Under 21 international rejected a senior call up from Martin O’Neill but the quality on display at Old Trafford might prompt an enquiry from Mick McCarthy