John Aldridge's Tranmere progressed to the fourth round with a comfortable 3-0 win over Hereford. Two goals from Gary Jones and one from Clint Hill backboned a Tranmere win which featured Irish internationals Liam O'Brien, David Kelly and a substitute appearance by Alan Mahon. Aldridge remained on the bench for what was an enjoyable evening for the player-manager.

Kevin Kilbaine was among the scorers as West Brom enjoyed a 3-1 win over Stoke. Irish international Kilbaine was joined on the scoresheet by Richard Sneekes who scored with two long-range, first-half efforts. It was the first victory under new manager Denis Smith.

Cheltenham, managed by former Sligo Rovers boss Steve Cotterill, came close to causing the upset of the night when they took a lead in their third round tie against Reading.

Trevor Morley spared Reading the embarrassment of joining neighbours Swindon in being knocked out of the Cup by a Vauxhall Conference side.

Reading were sweating on a 22ndminute penalty by Cheltenham's Dale Watkins after Gareth Davies had pushed veteran striker Clive Walker over in the area. But with 19 minutes left on the clock, Morley prevented what would have been only Cheltenham's second win over a League club in 106 years.

Two goals from Andy Watson earned second division Walsall a trip to Manchester United in the fourth round as they beat Peterborough 2-0.

Terry Fenwick was yesterday sacked as Portsmouth's manager, the day after his mentor Terry Venables stood down as chairman. Fenwick was told he had lost his job in a phone call from Switzerland from Martin Gregory as he prepared his team for tonight's FA Cup replay at Aston Villa.