Rochdale home in the Cup. What was the score? 4-1 For once a banana skin was carefully avoided this afternoon as we swept past plucky Rochdale and into the 4th Round draw. Not that I will see them but it will be nice not to be on the back pages of tomorrow's newspapers for once, that pleasure this season rests with Man U, of all people and Man City. Aston Villa, Norwich & Palarse were also put out at the expense of Championship sides and there were a couple of other scares too.

I followed the coverage on the BBC Vidiprinter, and it was reassuring to see us get an early goal to settle the nerves and then a third not long after their 20-goal striker Gary Holt had given me a wobble when he pulled one back just after the break.

Great credit to Bryan Hughes who could not have grabbed his chance any better unlike the unfortunate Euell who didn't appear for the 2nd half because of a toe injury. What is it with us and toes?

Reading some of the reports, it is abundantly clear that Jeffers is not suited to the lone striker role but he did seem desperate to impress the close to 14,000 cr0wd of which 2,500 were down from Spotland.

Anyhow, I'm pleased that is over. I am due to be back in London for the 4th Round weekend but will be on a stag but intend to hang around until after the Liverpool game on the Tuesday night.

Reports from those that were there: BBC Sport; The Observer; Sporting Life; Addicks Diary.
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