606: DEBATE Your thoughts on the action

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By Sam Lyon

Don't forget you can catch all the goals from a cracking day's action in the Premier League on Match of the Day at BBC1 at 2230 GMT - which will be streamed live on the website simultaneously - and Alan Green awaits your calls on BBC Radio 5 Live's 606. Call him on 0500 909 693.

"Liverpool are a team that never seems to give up. People don't seem to complain when Arsenal win in the last 10 minutes. I know I definitely don't."
GunnerNumber8 on 606

1915: Unsurprisingly, Fernando Torres leads the way on your Player Rater, with Steven Gerrard not far behind. Antti Niemi sits on a rather harsh score of less than seven at the moment, despite keeping Fulham in it with a string of saves. Think you Fulham fans need to up his score a bit...

1906: FULL-TIME Liverpool 2-0 Fulham
Fernando Torres proves the difference, then, and Liverpool go fourth with the win. Fulham stay in the bottom half of the table and will feel aggrieved a brave performance did not at least bring them a point.

1904: This match is all but done and dusted, with Liverpool stroking it about confidently and Fulham, understandably, dejected after that late two-goal salvo. The visitors have now conceded eight goals in the last 10 minutes of matches this season and it is costing the Londoners dear.

"It's all over. The cracks have been papered over, we can all stand back and admire..."
nunChucker on 606

1859: GOAL Liverpool 2-0 Fulham
Ryan Babel and Peter Crouch link up well on the edge of the box and Fulham defender Carlos Bocanegra takes the latter's legs from him with the striker lining up a shot. A penalty is given, though there is a suspicion the contact was inches outside the box.

Steven Gerrard side-foots into the corner from the spot, though, and that, you feel, is that.

1856: It's almost two within minutes, Torres again finding himself free on the right-hand side and his cross-shot is well kept out by Antti Niemi.

"Was bound to happen."
CravingtheCottage on 606

"Insert your Goldilocks porridge jokes here!"
redandblackT on 606

1854: GOAL Liverpool 1-0 Fulham
...And, finally, Liverpool break the deadlock. It's route one stuff from the hosts, Pepe Reina's long drop-kick finding Fernando Torres, who controls well, drives into the box, turns inside and lashes into the near post left-footed.

1851: The more profligate Liverpool are, the more confident Fulham get and, after Davies's free-kick is headed behind, the Welshman's corner has Reina flapping with the ball apparently curling in the far post. The hosts clear, though...

1849: Ryan Babel breaks down the left but decides to take it on his own when other options were on, cutting inside nicely but his tame shot is easily saved low down at his near post by Niemi.

1848: ...And it comes to absolutely nothing.

1847: Diomansy Kamara earns Fulham a corner when his pot-shot from range is deflected behind...

"Here comes Goldilocks..."
nunChucker on 606

1844: Fernando Torres, who has been stalking the touchline like a predator eyeing its prey for the last 10 minutes, is finally brought into the action by Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez. Voronin makes way, and the Spaniard has just over 20 minutes to make his mark on his return from injury.

1840: Liverpool stride up the other end on the counter attack and Voronin works some space well inside the box before zipping his shot narrowly wide of the far post.

1839: Rare attack from Fulham, substitute Hameur Bouazza breaking down the left and fizzing across goal but Simon Davies can't get a touch on it in front of goal.

1836: It's just one wave of attack after another for Liverpool and it takes another superb save from Niemi to keep Fulham level, Benayoun curling goalwards from the left-hand side of the area and the Finnish keeper finger-tipping the ball past the post.

1832: Gerrard latches onto Stefanovic's slip in the corner to cross for Voronin, but the Ukrainian striker decides to show off his dancing skills instead of his shooting ability by pirouetting, swinging around and over the ball without making contact, and the chance is wasted.

1831: Yet another smart break from Liverpool, Andriy Voronin taking it on his own this time, running across goal, exchanging passes with Peter Crouch, and blasting goalwards, only for Niemi to tip over well.

1829: Fabio Aurelio lines up the free-kick and it's decent enough as Niemi almost makes a rickett of it by palming it back into the six-yard box after tripping himself up. However, Yossi Benayoun balloons the follow-up over on the stretch.

1827: Steven Gerrard's break from midfield is brought to an end by Danny Murphy's cynical challenge - much to his former team-mate's displeasure - but it's a decent position for Liverpool 30 yards out.

1823: Clint Dempsey receives treatment after coming off worse from a challenge with Jamie Carragher, but he's fine to continue.

"'Why don't you have you say, and see if you can't boost Chris Baird's lowly score of five...' Because Chris Baird is not a footballer, but a strategically dressed oak tree. Chris Chringle (or, in our case, Santa Volz) would make a better right back."
Fullofham on 606

1820: Lovely play from Liverpool, Peter Crouch heading down Gerrard's sublime cross to Voronin, whose snap volley is gathered smartly by Antti Niemi.

1818: Liverpool get the second half started, no changes to either side.

1807: Steven Gerrard leads the way on Player Rater for Liverpool, with David Healy surprisingly topping the Fulham ratings. Why don't you have your say, and see if you can't boost Chris Baird's lowly score of five...

1802: HALF-TIME Liverpool 0-0 Fulham
Liverpool had the better chances and could have been ahead had Crouch's header late in the half dropped below instead of onto the bar, but Fulham will consider themselves worthy of parity after a spirited display. A word of warning for Cottagers fans, though - if games this season were just 45 minutes long, your team would top the league. That they actually started this game in 13th tells you something about their second-half form this term.

1802: So close again for Liverpool! Arbeloa's free-kick to the back post finds Crouch, but the England striker's looping header across goal comes back off the crossbar and Fulham clear just before the half-time whistle goes.

1801: A John Arne Riise special throw causes a brief bit of havoc in the Fulham box, but Stefanovic clears well with Benayoun and Crouch lurking.

1757: Gerrard and Benayoun it is this time looking for the perfect goal as they exchange pass after pass without shooting from just outside the area and Carlos Bocanegra gets across to clear.

1756: Niemi almost makes a hash of collecting Benayoun's tame header as he pats it down before snatching it off Peter Crouch's toes inches off the line.

"I tell you what, Fulham are showing massive improvements from previous games - Sanchez looks like he is coming good."
RebelArmyRedDevil(Official Matchday Thread Man!)(aka Captain Brief!) on 606

1750: Dejan Stefanovic sends the ball high into the night sky instead of clearing from inside the box, but Peter Crouch's header falls tamely into the grateful arms of Niemi.

1747: Tight call from the assistant referee and it goes against Liverpool - Gerrard sends Voronin free one-on-one, but an offside flag pulls the play back. The striker looked to be onside thanks to Chris Baird's poor positioning at right-back and it's a let-off for Fulham.

1743: Another promising Liverpool break comes to nothing as first Andriy Voronin over-plays it at the back post when a pass across goal looked on, and then Yossi Benayoun ducks underneath a cross six yards out when a header looked simple.

"Fulham are very underrated and unlucky. They give teams a good game and aren't beaten comprehensively very often. They can get a draw today."
Vertino, Essex via text

1740: A fine pass from Steven Gerrard finds Peter Crouch baring down in the area, but his control on the chest sits up awkwardly and Fulham are able to clear.

"For a team that scored eight goals on their last outing, Liverpool are looking anything but clinical so far today... must be the shock of playing with the same players!"
Foz, Aberdeen via text

1736: Fulham are certainly more than holding their own at Anfield and, though their approach is a direct one, it's not a backs-to-the-wall effort by any stretch of the imagination. Simon Davies blazes high, wide and not very handsome from 25 yards out, but Lawrie Sanchez will be satisfied enough with this start.

1730: And if anyone thinks Fulham are just here to make up the numbers, think again - Danny Murphy latches on to Shefki Kuqi's header and his deflected drive forces Reina into a sprawling save.

1729: Steve Gerrard fails to make the most of a decent opening as he finds himself in possession without a Fulham player near 20 yards out, but his drive flies high into the crowd.

"'If Fulham keep it to five they'll be happy'? Give over. That's rubbish. I'm hoping for a point, an entertaining 1-1 draw. We just need to keep it together in the last 5, 10 mins of the game. Maybe we'll even sneak a win, who knows eh?"
SirFulham on 606

1723: Minutes after Sami Hyypia forces a decent enough save from Antti Niemi from range, the big centre-half finds himself in the Fulham box again only for his header to drift wide from 16 yards. The Reds appear to have hit their straps early here.

1719: First signs of Liverpool stringing some passes together as Peter Crouch feeds the ball well to Steve Gerrard, whose clipped pass into the box has just too much on it for Yossi Benayoun to latch onto.

1716: And immediate signs of intent from Fulham, getting the ball forward as quickly as possible before former Red Danny Murphy takes an early pot-shot at goal that Pepe Reina smothers comfortably.

1715: And we're underway at Anfield, Fulham kicking off towards the Kop end...

"If Fulham get away with anything less than five they will consider themselves very lucky today..."
Justice_wa_Baruti on 606

"Haha unchanged team for the Reds....should be interesting!"
Villaaway3points on 606

1707: The Cottagers were the last club to beat Liverpool in the Premier League, however, and riding high on the back of their 3-1 home win over Reading last week, they might just fancy their chances of an upset.

1705: So, Liverpool field a side that won 8-0 last time out against a Fulham outfit yet to win away this season and that have never, ever won at Anfield. And it's Rafael Benitez's 200th game as manager, so they'll be looking to mark that milestone in style.

"I feel incredibly dizzy - Rafa Benitez has named an unchanged side. Is the world going barmy?"
Dave via text

TEAM NEWS

Hold the back page! Rafael Benitez names unchanged side and it's the first time in over a year that the Liverpool manager has done that. It might have been a bit unfair on the 11 players that crushed Besiktas in midweek if the Reds manager had opted to rotate his squad, I suppose. Fulham have Carlos Bocanegra back from suspension and Chris Baird fit against after injury, but are without the banned Hameur Bouazza and Paul Konchesky.

"And Horsham 4-1 against Maidenhead?"
jackalexandros on 606

"What about Havant beating York, Sam?"
Daripa on 606

1700: So that wraps up a frantic day of FA Cup first-round action - wins for Rushden and Chasetown, and draws for Barrow and Staines are the upsets of the day for me - but let me know what you think on 606 or via text before Liverpool get their match against Fulham underway.

1653: GOAL Bury 4-1 Workington
Workington are broken - Andy Bishop's hat-trick goal sends Bury into the second round against their Blue Square North opponents.

"I tell you what - Hampton and Richmond v Dagenham and Redbridge. Four teams on the same pitch - value for money or what!"
City_Ground_Fan - OSC on 606

1652: GOAL Hampton & Richmond 0-3 Dag & Red
Hampton & Richmond's FA Cup dream is over for another year as substitute Ben Streven's wraps up 3-0 win for Dagenham & Redbridge, firing home moments before the final whistle is blown.

1651: Unsurprisingly, two-goal Lee Bowyer is in the lead on the Player Rater, while keeper Rob Green, who had virtually nothing to do all afternoon, somehow scores nearly eight. Stephen Bywater is the only Derby player to score over five, which kind of says it all.

"It was men against boys and we got nothing out of the game because we deserved nothing."
Derby manager Billy Davies

"When I get my other players fit I will have a selection headache because there is real competition for places after this result."
West Ham manager Alan Curbishley

1650: FULL-TIME Derby 0-5 West Ham
Mark Clattenburg draws an end to the match at Pride Park as West Ham earn their biggest Premier League win in seven years against a woeful Derby side.

1649: GOAL Accrington 2-3 Huddersfield
Ouch! Luke Beckett looks to have completed the Huddersfield turn-around as he puts the League One visitors ahead with just seconds remaining at League Two Accrington.

1646: West Ham are taking a well-earned breather at Pride Park, and Derby are just happy they've stopped attacking. Bless them.

1644: GOAL Bury 3-1 Workington
But the dream is almost definitely over for Workington as Andy Bishop puts Bury two goals clear.

1644: Hampton & Richmond 0-2 Dag & Red
Shane Huke adds a second for the Daggers with an long arching shot into the top right-hand corner from the edge of the box.

1644 GOAL Accrington 2-2 Huddersfield
Malvin Kamara's second draws League One's Huddersfield back level against League Two outfit Accrington.

1643: GOAL Carlisle 1-1 Grimsby
Carlisle, the highest team in the first round leave it late to equalise after Tom Newey is sent off for Grimsby, Zigor Aranalde netting from the resultant penalty.

1641: GOAL Horsham 3-1 Maidenhead
Lee Carney's second looks to have put Ryman Premier League side Horsham into round two. Only for Gary Charman to see red 90 seconds later... is there time for Maidenhead to battle back?

1639: GOAL Stockport 1-1 Staines Town
Booyaka! Marc Charles-Smith has the Staines massive daring to dream again as he levels it up against League Two's Stockport.

1638: GOAL Bury 2-1 Workington
Parity did not last long for Blue Square North side Workington as Andy Bishop nets for Bury with 10 minutes remaining.

1634: Carlton Cole threatens to make it 6-0 to West Ham, but opts instead to take out what I'm guessing was a particularly vocal Derby fan in the crowd eight rows back.

1632: GOAL Bury 1-1 Workington
Matthew Berkeley keeps the Workington dream alive, levelling things up against League Two's Bury.

1629: GOAL Hampton & Richmond Borough 0-1 Dagenham and Redbridge
League Two side Dagenham settle the nerves in the battle of the two teams with the longest names in the world as Paul Benson finds the net against Blue Square South side Hampton.

1628: GOAL Derby 0-5 West Ham Oh dear. The way they're playing right now, Derby are 100% doomed. Nolberto Solano hit the bar earlier - but this time he makes double sure with his free-kick as he curls it past the motionless Bywater and into the far corner.

1625: GOAL Harrowgate Railway 1-0 Droyslden
One of the lowest sides left in the competition take the lead, Bryon Littlefair handing Harrowgate Railway (Sounds like some kind of Enid Blyton novel no? No? Ah come on...) the lead against Droylsden - a team three divisions above them.

1624: Aaaannndd breathe people. That all got a bit lively then didn't it? As West Ham start to knock the ball around 'sexy football' style at Pride Park, the FA Cup ties approach the business end of their matches... as it stands, my money's on Chasetown as the story of the day...

1623: GOAL Barnet 2-1 Gillingham Going a goal down does not seem to have troubled Barnet as Liam Hatch completes the turnaround to put the Bees in line for a first-round victory.

1622: GOAL Horsham 2-0 Maidenhead
Lee Carney gets his name on the scoresheet to double Horsham's lead and the Ryman Premier League side look close to booking their place in the next round.

1621: GOAL Altrincham 1-2 Millwall
It's all gone a bit Pete Tong for Blue Square Premier outfit Altrincham, as Will Hoskins puts Millwall ahead.

"There is not one player in the Derby team that is of Premiership level."
BBC Sport pundit Carlton Palmer

1619: GOAL Derby 0-4 West Ham
It's raining goals! Derby's defence take time out of their hectic schedule of, you know, defending as they go awol, allowing Lee Bowyer to ghost into the box unmarked and lash home Carlton Cole's cross.

1616: GOAL Rushden 3-0 Macclesfield
Simeon Jackson grabs Rushden's third of the afternoon and the Blue Square Premier side are cruising against League Two Macclesfield.

1615: GOAL Peterborough 3-0 Wrexham
Craig Mackail-Smith is the FA Cup hat-trick hero for Posh as go three up and their passage into round two looks secure.

"Forest clearly still have a long way to go before they're out of the woods. Come on, it's better then the "Barrow" one!"
DJ via text

"Chasetown must be on match of the day live if they get through, this is absolutely incredible. C'mon you Scholars!"
Nick via text

1613: GOAL Derby 0-3 West Ham Derby fail to clear a Nolberto Solano corner, the ball breaks to Jonathan Spector and his shot just about squirms past Eddie Lewis on the line, with the unfortunate Derby man credited with the own goal.

1612: GOAL Altrincham 1-1 Millwall
Altrincham's hopes of an upset suffer a double blow as Chris Lane is sent off for deliberate handball in the box and Alan Dunne dispatches the penalty with aplomb.

1611: GOAL Stockport 1-0 Staines Town
Ali G buries his head in his hands as brave Staines Town finally concede a goal against a side three divisions above them - Matty McNeill putting Stockport one goal to the good.

1610: GOAL Derby 0-2 West Ham
How often does that happen? Derby waste a great chance at one end and the Hammers stride away at the other, Matthew Etherington exchanges passes inside the box with Lee Bowyer and rattles home inside the near post. That's the game done and dusted, surely.

1608: It should be 1-1 at Pride Park - Kenny Miller heading wide unmarked six yards out from Eddie Lewis's cross and the Rams really have to take those sort of chances. It's now been over eight hours since Derby scored... ouch.

1606: Another lucky escape for Derby as Matthew Upson meets Solano's corner on the volley but it smashes against the bar and away.

1605: And it's so nearly 2-0 to West Ham! Carlton Cole gets the better of Darren Moore and his cut-back catches Derby's defence asleep as Boa Morte runs on to it and forces a fine save from Stephen Bywater.

1601: The players emerge at Pride Park as the Cup games get back underway across the country. This is going to be a cracking next hour, I tell ya...

1548: HALF-TIME Derby 0-1 West Ham
A deserved lead you have to say for West Ham, but a rather dour match at Pride Park.

"Barrow still have a "wheel" chance here to cause an upset. Er... I'll get my coat."
Mistah_Lee on 606

1547: GOAL Barrow 1-1 Bournemouth
In first-half stoppage Bournemouth avoid a half-time tongue lashing from manager Kevin Bond by pulling level against the Blue Square North side Barrow. Jem Karacan, on loan from Reading, makes up for his earlier miss by placing a precise shot into the corner.

1547: GOAL Horsham 1-0 Maidenhead United
In the battle of the big guns - Ryman Premier League side Horsham take the lead against Blue Square South outfit Maidenhead, Nigel Brake getting the goal.

"If Millwall don't get a goal soon - Altrincham could steal this. They'll put them out."
BBC Sport pundit Garth Crooks

1546: GOAL Altrincham 1-0 Millwall
Ooh, the shocks are coming thick and fast now, Chris Senior putting Blue Square Premier side Altrincham ahead against beleaguered League One side Millwall.

"If Huddersfield could get a replay out of this now I'd personally go down to Chester zoo and give every single animal there a kiss... and then probably throw up."
Re�l_Giant_Terrier

1545: GOAL Accrington 2-1 Huddersfield
League One outfit Huddersfield give themselves an FA Cup lifeline as Malvin Kamara reduces the deficit against League Two Stanley.

"Looks like Team Bath have a real 'chase' on their hands, things are looking a bit 'grim' for Carlisle, and Workington need to dig in or they could be 'buried' early on. And York 'Havant' a chance at the moment."
Sebwinder and Daripa on 606

1541: GOAL Lincoln 1-1 Nottm Forest
Lincoln City - bottom of the lot in the Football League - draw themselves level against League One high-fliers Nottingham Forest thanks to Kelvin Wilson's own goal.

"Now we'll see if the goal will give West Ham confidence."
BBC Sport pundit Mark Bright

1540: GOAL Derby 0-1 West Ham
Clearly I'm no Mystic Meg - just as I hint at how terribly dull it is at Pride Park, West Ham take the lead, and with a hint of controversy. Lee Bowyer runs on to Carlton Cole's knockdown in the box, controls and fires home - with Derby's defenders vociferously claiming he handled the ball. The goal stands and Derby's early-season struggles continue.

1537: For those hoping for more highlights on Derby-West Ham, I'm sorry to say there aren't any. It's a scrappy old game, with both sides doing their best to out-do each other in the pass-it-to-the-opposition-every-time-you-get-it stakes.

1535: GOAL Team Bath 0-2 Chasetown
Team Bath - bidding to become the first University side to make it through to the 2nd round for 125 years - probably won't as Craig Holland doubles Chasetown's lead. Currently playing in the eighth tier of English football, there is no team lower than Chasetown left in the competition.

1533: Jem Karacan wastes a glorious opportunity to draw Bournemouth level at Barrow, but he puts the ball wide one-on-one with the goal gaping.

1530: GOAL Carlisle 0-1 Grimsby
They may be top of League One, but Carlisle's FA Cup hopes are stuttering before they get started as Paul Bolland hands League Two strugglers Grimsby the lead.

1528: Close call for Derby there. Luis Boa Morte breaks and attempts to feed in Carlton Cole, only for Andy Griffin to handle just - and I mean just - outside the box. Nolberto Solano lines up the free-kick and it's a beauty - curled over the wall but crashing off the angle of post and bar.

1525: York 0-1 Havant and WaterloovilleMo Harkin hands Blue Square South side Havant and Waterlooville the lead against their Blue Square Premier opponents.

1523: GOAL Bury 1-0 Workington
But Workington will have to put some, ahem, work into their performance after Paul Scott hands Bury the lead. Two divisions - and now that goal - separate the sides.

1520: GOAL Barrow 1-0 Bournemouth
Minutes after Neil Moss palms away a fierce drive, Kevin Rapley's low shot from 16 yards arrows into the corner to give Blue Square North side Barrow a shock lead against League One's Bournemouth. No more than the Barrow boys (geddit?) deserve.

1519: Derby are living on their nerves a little, Darren Moore doing well to block Boa Morte's shot from 16 yards before Stephen Bywater scoops Carlton Cole's follow-up away from goal and for a corner.

1517: Chance for West Ham, Luis Boa Morte doing well on the edge of the Derby area and firing narrowly wide on the turn.

1515: GOAL Team Bath 0-1 Chasetown
British Gas Southern League Premier side Team Bath concede the early lead, Vaughan Thomas's goal handing British Gas Southern League Midland outfit Chasetown the lead. Say that after a few beers, why don't you.

1513: GOAL Accrington 1-0 Huddersfield
League Two side Accrington get the first of what can be described as a 'low level' surprise goal, Peter Cavanagh netting them the lead against League One's Huddersfield.

1510:Port Vale, Oxford, Darlington and Rushden also get among the goals in the Cup.

1508: High on energy, low on quality so far at Derby, with West Ham just edging the early proceedings.

1504: Couple of early goals in the Cup ties - Southend, Crewe and Peterborough taking the lead in their respective ties, no surprises on the cards just yet. Though, to be fair, we're less than five minutes in...

1502: Not the start injury-ravaged West Ham needed - George McCartney goes over on his ankle and must receive treatment. Looks like he'll be ok, though...

"Derby really need to win this one (obviously), an injury ravaged west ham side in no particular form is one of the best chances they are gonna get."
Sebwinder on 606

1500: Derby kick off to get their match against West Ham underway...

"One hundred and five places between them - I think they've done fantastic. There is not another country in the world that shows these kind of games from the roots."
BBC Sport pundit Mark Bright

"Bauza's double means Billericay dreams of an early FA cup upset are shattered but should walk with their heads high coz they showed they are a team in the rise. Proud of you boys, keep trying there is always next year."
Justice_wa_Baruti on 606

1453: FULL-TIME Billericay 1-2 Swansea
That's it. The dream is over despite a brave display from Billericay as Guillem Bauza's brace spares League One Swansea's blushes.

1451: A bit of background for you on this afternoon's Derby-West Ham match; The hosts will be looking for what would be only their second Premier League win this campaign, but to do so they will need to break the shackles of a run of 431 minutes with a goal. A win for West Ham would see them jump into the top half of the table.

TEAM NEWS

Jonathan Spector replaces Hayden Mullins for West Ham, who have Freddie Ljungberg and James Collins back on the bench after injury. Derby make five changes to their team. Kenny Miller is back after a hamstring problem to replace Steve Howard in attack and Marc Edworthy makes his first appearance of the season.

1449: "We just can't keep giving goals away like the one we did, but our response was very good and a point is acceptable after going behind in a local derby away from home."
Newcastle boss Sam Allardyce

1448: "I thought the level of performance from the players was first class. It was a disappointing goal to concede, and I suppose Sam Allardyce will be slightly happier than me with the outcome."
Sunderland manager Roy Keane

1445: Craig Gordon and Kenwyne Jones lead the way on the Player Rater, with James Milner and Steve Harper topping Newcastle's ratings. Joey Barton is struggling under 5, though...

1441: GOAL Billericay 1-2 Swansea
Heartbreak for Billericay! Guillem Bauza gets on the end of Alan Tate's cross to finish well and crush home hopes of an FA Cup upset.

"With the money that Newcastle have spent - a draw against Sunderland is not acceptable."
BBC Sport pundit Carlton Palmer

"The fans might be singing, but Newcastle are totally out of Toon."
BlueSgtPepper on 606

1438: FULL-TIME Sunderland 1-1 Newcastle
No they can't. A strangely uneventful injury time goes by and it's a point apiece. Not sure that suits either side really.

1434: Four minutes of injury time to be played at the Stadium of Light - can either side pull something out of the bag?

1432: My esteemed colleague informs me Billericay are "holding their own" against Swansea at the New Lodge, where there is a brief break in play because the ball has got stuck on the dressing room roof. THAT'S what the cup is about people!

1429: Good break from substitute Martins but his cross-come-shot is palmed away by Gordon and Alan Smith fails to pick up the pieces in the box.

"Michael Owen has been a bit of a non-entity today. We really need a Michael Owen who can perform ahead of the England game."
BBC Sport pundit Garth Crooks

1427: Perhaps stung into action by that Chopra chance, Allardyce takes off Michael Owen to give Obafemi Martins a shot at winning it for Newcastle. I guess that means Viduka will see out the match...?

1425: And it so nearly was! Superb corner from Ian Harte and Michael Chopra rises highest at the back post only to see his firm header rattle the crossbar and away.

1424: With Mark Viduka receiving treatment to a minor cut on his eye, caused by a loose arm on the jump by Higginbotham, the game suffers something of a lull. The calm before the storm?

1419: Ian Harte's free-kick is on target but Stokes, attempting to glance it into the corner, succeeds only in heading it clear.

1417: GOAL Billericay 1-1 Swansea
Billericay's dreams of an FA Cup upset suffer a blow as Guillem Bauza drives a superb strike into the top corner from fully 25 yards. It's been coming, apparently, and Town must dig deep now.

1415: All of a sudden Newcastle are looking the likelier to score, with Mark Viduka and Michael Owen starting to cause problems at the heart of the Sunderland defence. Not content to settle for the draw, though, Sunderland boss Keane replaces Wallace with striker Anthony Stokes.

1412: Michael Chopra's overhead kick is cleared for a corner - which Harper gathers and then uses to quickly release Owen, who takes on McShane 20 yards out but his clipped finish is smothered by Gordon. End to end stuff now.

1409: Kenwyne Jones goes within inches of restoring Sunderland's lead, the big striker turning on the edge of the box and his drive looks goal-bound, only for it to fly past the top corner.

1408: GOAL Sunderland 1-1 Newcastle
Sunderland make the mistake of inviting pressure and it opens the door for Newcastle. The equaliser comes in strange fashion, though, James Milner breaking down the left and his cross somehow creeps across the area and into the far corner without a further touch.

1404: Abdoulaye Faye limps off with a hamstring injury, Habib Baye replacing him. Could be a blow for Newcastle, that, as Faye was keeping Jones under wraps quite nicely.

"Prepare the axe for Big Sam... [could be] good news coz he might just be replacing Mclown after the Croatia game!"
Justice_wa_Baruti on 606

1403: Joey Barton takes aim 20 yards out, but his effort is blocked, and the midfielder then picks out Michael Owen on the cross, but the little man's header fails to trouble the Sunderland goal.

1401: James Milner goes down theatrically in the box under a challenge from Carlos Edwards, but it was never a penalty and play is waved on.

1359: Sunderland fans are buzzing, Sam Allardyce is scratching his head and Emre responds by blasting the ball high into the crowd from 30 yards. Not what the Toon need now.

"Take that all the Keano sceptics, this is a great manager in the making!"
RebelArmyRedDevil(Official Matchday Thread Man!)(aka Captain Brief!) on 606

1355: GOAL Sunderland 1-0 Newcastle
David Rozehnal concedes an unnecessary corner and Sunderland make him pay, Leadbitter receiving the ball short and picking out Danny Higginbotham on the back post, who heads home on the run for his first Sunderland goal to send the Stadium of Light into raptures.

1353: Mark Viduka pulls a lovely trick out of his bag of skills, flicking over McShane's head by the byline, but his cross eludes Owen six yards out.

1351: Nice work on the left from Ross Wallace, who turns inside and out before dinking to the back post where Kenwyne Jones gets a header on goal, but Harper holds on easily.

1348: And we're back underway at the Stadium of Light.

"Feels like the latter days of the Roeder-era all over again. Abysmal."
nufc_josh on 606

"Sunderland deserve to win the game on their first half performance but it will be the Geordies who win it in the end. As a Boro fan I don't really care anyway this is only a leg 1 of the 2nd place playoff for top team in the North East!"
iwz678 on 606

"Newcastle are sinking under the weight of expectation."
BlueSgtPepper on 606

1340 Your marks on the Player Rater reflect a game dominated by defences, with keepers Craig Gordon (7.38) and Steve Harper (6.45) leading the way for their respective teams. Poor old David Rozehnal - recalled to the Newcastle side after four matches out - is limping along at the low 5s.

"Surely there's got to be a goal? Newcastle couldn't keep a clean sheet if they washed it 100 times!!!"
sauceball1703 on 606

1333: HALF-TIME Sunderland 0-0 Newcastle
The half-time whistle goes, bringing an end to a lively half that Sunderland will feel they should have ended in front. Everyone's 'favourite' Joey Barton ensures things remain fruity with a flare up with at Dickson Etuhu after flying at him, studs up between the legs - there's plenty of life in this tie yet.

1330: Great strike from Michael Chopra, the striker making the most of a Joey Barton slip in midfield to cut across the area and fire towards the top corner, only for Harper to claw it away on the stretch.

1328: GOAL Billericay 1-0 Swansea
Wahey!! No offence to Swansea fans - but this is the magic of the Cup baby! Billericay - four divisions below their League One opponents - take a shock lead at New Lodge, Wayne Semanshia driving home left-footed after David Knight failed to clear.

1324: The Magpies earn a corner and it somehow finds its way to Rozehnal on the back post, but the defender can't dig out a shot and the chance goes begging.

1323: Faye goes into the book after bringing Kenwyne Jones down inches outside the box. Dangerous position for the free-kick... but it's utterly wasted by Edwards and Newcastle go on the break...

"Got 200 quid on Sunderland, can't relax watching this but getting closer."
Ewan C via text

1320: So close! Sunderland drive at the Newcastle goal and, after Ian Harte's lay back is half cleared with Chopra lurking by Steve Harper, Leadbitter's goal-bound drive is blocked by Alan Smith on the dive. Seconds later, the midfield man gets on the end of another cross but his header clears the bar.

1318: Great break from N'Zogbia and then Barton, who finds Mark Viduka on the edge of the box. The Australian gets half a yard on McShane, but his strike is deflected wide.

1314: Michael Owen gets a brief glimpse of the Sunderland goal before he loses control under pressure from McShane. The England man gets a shot in but Craig Gordon smothers easily.

1312: Kenwyne Jones flicks the long ball on to Chopra, who dances around the edge of the area before lifting the ball over Harper's goal.

1311: First booking of the match as Chopra scythes down N'Zogbia. Chopra's not a happy bunny about it, but it did look naughty. Danny Collins comes on for the injured Nosworthy, with Ian Harte switching to right-back.

1309: Worrying scenes for Nosworthy, who goes down off the ball with what looks like a hamstring injury. Doesn't look like he'll be able to go on.

"Big day for big Sam... if he loses again today his future will certainly be in doubt! Come on Sunderland!"
My_MUFC_4_Life

1307: By the by, this time last week Newcastle were 3-1 down...

1304: Decent spell this for Sunderland, Faye this time providing a crucial tackle as the last line of defence with Edwards and Chopra well placed in the Newcastle half.

1301: Good chance for Ross Wallace, the left-winger strides onto Carlos Edwards's deep cross but his side-foot volley troubles only those sat in row Z behind the goal. Could've taken a touch before shooting, to be honest.

1300: From the glitz and glammer of Sunderland's Stadium of Light to Billericay's rather ramshackle New Lodge Stadium, creaking under the weight of a bumper crowd, as Town's FA Cup tie against Swansea gets underway.

"If this game finishes at a draw I would love to see a Keane v Allardyce fight to decide who gets the 3 points. My money's on Keane!"
dangermouse852 on 606

1258: It's a ferocious old pace at the SOL, with no quarter asked for, nor given - least of all by David Rozehnal, who takes out Ross Wallace by the left-hand touchline. No booking, though, and the free-kick flies wastefully out of play.

1255: Ambitious overhead kick from Mark Viduka having taken the ball on the chest 20 yards out, but it flies harmlessly high, wide and not-so handsome.

1252: ...and it ricochets to Leadbitter on the edge of the area, only for Stephen Taylor to nearly decapitate himself by getting his face in the way of the fierce shot to clear it to safety.

1251: Free-kick 30 yards out for Sunderland, but Grant Leadbitter's tame effort hits the wall. The return from Edwards is deflected out for a corner, though...

1249: Looks as if Joey Barton will be starting on the right of a five-man midfield for Newcastle, who make a decent start with a good spell of possession. Michael Chopra lets Toon keeper Steve Harper know he is around by clattering into him early doors. Derby delight - jubbly.

1244: But back at the Stadium of Light, the fans are apoplectic, stand-in Newcastle skipper Michael Owen wins the toss and the hosts will kick off. Here we go people...

1242: By the way, just a quick note before the Sunderland-Newcastle game gets underway... you can keep up to date with the early FA Cup game - Billericay v Swansea - on our minute-by-minute text updates.

"Roy Keane is the perfect manager to get his team over hyped for the game and to have a player sent off within the first twenty minutes for of his Alf Inge Haaland style tackles..."
mackemh8er on 606

1240: I won't lie to you, the atmosphere at the Stadium of Light is abso-blooming-lutely electric. Carlos Edwards's name is greeted by ferocious cheers by the home faithful - how the zippy Trinidadian winger has been missed by Sunderland - and it's fair to say the 'banter' between the supporters is warming up rather nicely.

1235: Big Sam admits the return of Mark Viduka is "a massive boost" for his Newcastle side, but concedes they have taken "a bit of a risk" on the Australian's fitness. Sounds like Viduka will do well to get through an hour or so. Meanwhile, Allardyce has vowed "to win this one to put a smile on the fans' faces".

TEAM NEWS

Sunderland bring Carlos Edwards back into their side for the first time since August following his recovery from a hamstring injury, and he is joined in the line-up by defender Paul McShane on his return from suspension, Ross Wallace and former Newcastle striker Michael Chopra. Newcastle recall Mark Viduka after his calf injury and Emre steps in for suspended Nicky Butt. Czech international David Rozehnal comes back in place of Claudio Cacapa, who endured a nightmare in last weekend's 4-1 home defeat by Portsmouth.

"Sunderland 1-1 Newcastle, both teams finishing with ten men."
Join-the-party on 606

"B'day treat would be seeing N'castle getting beaten and several shocks occurring in the cup!!!"
MadMilburn on 606

1226: Have your say, though, as we await the team news on 606 or via text to 81111.

1225: So, on a day when the FA Cup gets under way proper, surely anything other than a shock Sunderland win would be a, erm, shock no? After all, Newcastle have lost two on the spin - if they lose today it will be the first time they have lost three on the trot since October last year - and Sam Allardyce's side were simply awful against Portsmouth last week. Roy Keane, meanwhile, has vowed to "get at them early on"... will Newcastle cope?

1224: While the Black Cats have lost their last three matches against the Magpies at home. In fact, Newcastle have not lost this fixture for 27 years.

1223: And Sunderland are without a victory in six Premier League matches.

1222: For example, Newcastle are aiming to beat Sunderland for the sixth successive time.

1220: First up this afternoon in the massive Wear-Tyne derby Sunderland v Newcastle. And despite the confidence of Arsenal's Danish striker Mr Bendtner below, the statistics suggest the Black Cats face an almighty struggle to overcome their fierce rivals.

"I'd like to say good luck to all the lowest league teams in The FA CUP. This is where the magic starts!"
sunillcfcp on 606

"Premier League Predictions: Sunderland 2-1 Newcastle. Derby 1-3 West Ham. Liverpool 4-0 Fulham."
Nicklas Bendtner on 606

1215: Afternoon ladies and gentlemen and welcome to the all-singing, all-dancing Saturday football commentary extravaganza. It's a monster day of football - and I'll be keeping you fully abreast of all the latest from today's three Premier League matches, as well as the biggest and best news from this afternoon's 36 FA Cup matches.

With 44 days left before Christmas, don't let the latest raft of festival lights, free Christmas DVDs in the newspapers and seasonal CDs hitting the music shop shelves dupe you into thinking you must rush out right now and 'get ahead of things'. Forget that. Stay with me, put your feet up, and see if the likes of Eastbourne Borough, Billericay Town and Havant and Waterlooville can't create a little bit of FA Cup magic.

For those of you silly enough to be hitting the shops, though, don't forget you can keep up to date on your WAP and PDA phones, so there are no excuses...

And I want you all to get involved on 606 or via SMS on 81111, so let me know your thoughts on the day's football, your tips for this year's FA Cup and any decent sporting gifts ideas I can use to get ahead of my Christmas shopping. Merci.