WEST BROM WERE in no mood for FA Cup handouts as they ruthlessly swept non-league Gateshead United aside with a morale-boosting 7-0 win.
With new manager Tony Pulis in the dugout for the first time, the Baggies dominated from the moment Saido Berahino opened the scoring shortly before the interval. He went onto score his second hat-trick for the club to ensure the Premier League side safely booked their place in the fourth round draw.
Berahino has been strongly linked with a move away from the Hawthorns recently, with Tottenham among those interested, and he showed all his worth with a clinical performance before adding his fourth of the afternoon in the dying minutes.
Victor Anichebe, Chris Brunt and James Morrison were all also on the score sheet for the hosts.
The post-Alan Pardew era at Newcastle began in defeat as the Magpies were knocked out by Leicester City in the day’s only all Premier League tie.
Newcastle had earlier confirmed the departure of their manager, who has assumed the reigns at Crystal Palace, and the visitors produced an abject performance to slump to a third successive third round exit.
John Carver’s side did have a Remy Cabella goal controversially ruled out for offside but Leonardo Ulloa’s 39th minute strike was enough to separate the sides as Leicester’s fine form continues.
Swansea safely booked their place in Monday’s draw with a comfortable 6-2 victory over Tranmere Rovers.
Goals from Nathan Dyer, Tom Carroll, Modou Barrow, Wayne Routledge and a Bafetimbi Gomis brace ensured the Premier League outfit progressed at the expense of their League Two opponents.
The day’s biggest upset came at League One Rochdale, who beat two-time cup-winners Nottingham Forest thanks to a 12th-minute spot-kick by Peter Vincenti.
Meanwhile, Derby County, currently third in the Championship, needed an injury-time penalty from Chris Martin to see off fifth-tier Southport.
Chris Hughton’s reign at Brighton got off to the perfect start as the Seagulls scored two late goals to beat Brentford at Griffin Park. The former Republic of Ireland international took charge of the club during the week and today’s win is their second in six days.
Tomorrow sees a host of the Premier League big boys enter the fray. Manchester City host Sheffield Wednesday while Chelsea welcome Championship side Watford to Stamford Bridge.
There’s a repeat of last year’s final as Arsenal face Hull City but before that, all eyes will be on Huish Park where Yeovil will be hoping to cause an upset with Man United the visitors.
Saturday’s FA Cup third round results:
Additional reporting from - © AFP, 2014
