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United KingdomOn Tuesday night, a number of FA Cup third round replays took place, with Premier League Leicester and West Ham both booking their places in the FA Cup fourth round with victories. Here is what happened in those replays:
The Foxes prevailed on a historic night, as Nigerian striker Kelechi Iheanacho become the first player to ever benefit from VAR. The striker opened the scoring just before half time, picking up the ball from Islam Slimani and sliding it under the outcoming Neal in the Fleetwood goal.
On 77 minutes came the big moment. Iheanacho had already seen an effort ruled out for offside earlier in the half. However, this time he would be denied. The striker was once again flagged for being offside. Referee Jon Moss was not convinced though and stopped play for a short time to consult VAR before overruling his linesman.
The tie may not live long in the memory of most watching. However, it will go down in the history books for the use of VAR.
BT Sport
Premier League West Ham were always going to find it difficult against high-flying League One side Shrewsbury. In fact, the Irons needed extra-time to put the third tier team to the sword.
The game was relatively quiet. However, the visitors had a chance to take the lead on 64 minutes, but Joe Hart kept out Stefan Payne’s effort. Irons substitute Marko Arnautovic went close to breaking the deadlock, while the home side also had efforts cleared off the line in extra-time by Aristote Nsiala and James Bolton.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 112th minute. A corner kick was cleared by the Shrews defence, only for the ball to be hooked back into the box to youngster Reece Burke, whose powerful effort went in off the underside of the bar.
The victory means that David Moyes side now faces a fourth-round tie with either Wigan or Bournemouth, who play on Wednesday night. The two teams will return to league action at the weekend, as West Ham host Bournemouth at the London Stadium. Meanwhile, Paul Hurst’s Shrewsbury side will continue their promotion with a home game against Doncaster Rovers.
Tuesday’s other FA Cup third round replay results:
Mansfield Town 1-4 Cardiff City
Sheffield Wednesday 2-0 Carlisle United
Reading 3-0 Stevenage
Wednesday night’s FA Cup third round replays
Struggling Premier League outfit Swansea City host Championship leaders Wolves on Wednesday night. The home heads into this clash as slight favourites. However, considering the two teams recent form in their respective leagues, Wolves will certainly fancy their chances of progression in this tie.
The Swans head into this game on the back of consecutive draws. However, the Welsh side have won just once in their last eight games in all competitions. The home side have a poor recent home record, winning just two of their last 11 games on home soil in all competitions.
Wolves are flying high in the Championship, ten points clear at the top of the table. Nuno Espirito Santo’s side are undefeated in their last 14 outings in all competitions. Despite their priority being promotion, the side from the Midlands may still field a strong team for this clash.
Wednesday’s other FA Cup third-round replays
Wigan v Bournemouth
Will the likes of Chelsea and Swansea be in the FA Cup fourth round?
