Irish set for FA Cup 4th round action…27/01/2019

The FA Cup fourth round sprung into action on Friday evening with Bristol City and the in-form Callum O’Dowda defeating fellow Championship side Bolton Wanderers by two goals to one at Ashton Gate with O’Dowda scoring the first for City. First up on Saturday afternoon were Accrington Stanley of the First Division who went down to a very late winner for visitors Derby County and Richard Keogh at 12.30pm in the Crown Ground. Shane Duffy and his Brighton & Hove Albion colleagues were held to a scoreless draw by high flying Championship side West Bromwich Albion for whom Wes Hoolihan was in the starting eleven. Long time injury absentee Stephen Ward started for Burnley alongside Robbie Brady, Jeff Hendrick and Kevin Long as they crashed to a five nil defeat by Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium. Ronan Curtis and  Portsmouth played out a one all draw with visitors QPR for whom Ryan Manning was in the starting eleven. Ciaran Clark started for Newcastle United who went down to a two nil defeat by visitors Watford  at St James Park. Matt Doherty returned to the starting eleven for Wolverhampton Wanderers and scored the added time equaliser which earned them a home replay with League One side Shrewsbury Town. Inconsistency surrounds both Millwall and Everton who clashed at the New Den where Aiden O’Brien and Shaun Williams started for the hosts with Seamus Coleman captaining the visiting ‘Toffees’ in a controversial contest. The visitors twice took the lead but were pegged back with the second equaliser clearly scored with the arm and then to rub salt in the wound, Everton conceded an added time goal to exit the competition. In the late kick-off, League One basement outfit AFC Wimbledon created the shock of the round with a four two victory over Premier League visitors West Ham United for whom Declan Rice and Conor Coventry were unused substitutes. Former Dundalk winger Dylan Connolly made his first start for the victors and caught the eye with an energetic and skilful display.