FA Cup round-up

FORMER Athletic goalkeeper Steve Mildenhall helped Coca-Cola League One side Southend United cause one of the major upsets in the third round of the FA Cup.

Mildenhall, who spent the second half of the 2004/05 season at Boundary Park, had the game of his life as the Shrimpers held Premier League giants Chelsea to a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge.

There was a dramatic finish to the match, with Peter Clarke equalising for the Essex club in the 90th minute before Mildenhall pulled off a breathtaking save in stoppage time to keep out a header from Franco di Santo.

BARROW, whose joint manager is former Boundary Park player Darren Sheridan, put up a gallant display before losing 2-1 at Premier League club Middlesbrough.

But the Cumbrian club’s elation was tempered by an horrific double leg break sustained by Michael Pearson, a 20-year-old released by Athletic last summer.

Full-back Pearson, who captained Athletic’s youth team on last summer’s tour of Bangladesh, is on non-contract forms at Barrow who had a 7,000 strong following at the Riverside Stadium.

Brazilian Afonso Alves put Boro 2-0 ahead before Jason Walker halved the deficit with 10 minutes left as the hosts were left holding on to a slender advantage.

CHESTERFIELD, who are managed by former Athletic midfield man Lee Richardson, made their exit from the FA Cup for the second time in 12 days.

Beaten by non-league Droylsden in a second-round replay, the Spireites were handed a reprieve after the Bloods were kicked out of the competition having fielded a player who ought to have been banned.

It proved short-lived as Chesterfield, who only learned of their reinstatement three days before the third round, lost 3-0 at Championship club Ipswich Town.

KETTERING, whose side includes former Athletic central defender Guy Branston, are the only non-league team through to the fourth round.

The Poppies defeated Eastwood Town 2-1 in an all non-league tie to secure a mouth-watering home tie against Premier League side Fulham.

HARTLEPOOL, who visit Boundary Park this weekend, pulled off one of the major shocks by defeating Premier League side Stoke City 2-0 at Victoria Park.

And Peterborough United caused a surprise with a 1-1 scoreline at Premier League club West Brom where Craig Mackail-Smith scored a late leveller for Posh.

NON-LEAGUE Forest Green Rovers gave Championship club Derby County an almighty fright before losing 4-3 at the New Lawn.