The magic of the FA Cup. In recent years, it has not always been at the top of the minds of managers competing for honours in the league or even fighting to survive. However, it is certainly still alive with exciting results still happening every round, such as lowly Kidderminster Harriers knocking out Peterborough United.
Other results include regular goalfests, in which both sides seemingly forget how to defend. On this day in 2007, Leicester City were looking for an upset of sorts as they took on Premier League opposition in Fulham in a third-round replay. A Danny Cadamarteri goal deep into the initial game earned Leicester a replay in London and a second bite at the cherry.
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It was a night of high-scoring FA Cup replays and this one had the most of the lot. There were four goals between Tottenham Hotspur and Cardiff City (4-0), six between Newcastle United and Birmingham City (1-5) and then seven at the Cottage. It was a classic cup battle with both sides excellent at times and awful at others, and Fulham just about came through after 11 goals in both ties.
This was a somewhat mishmash of a Fulham side that struggled with consistency throughout the season. In the end they avoided relegation by only a point in the Premier League, as although there were some important players such as Brian McBride and Carlos Bocanegra - who both started in this game - the squad also had plenty of questionable ones, including Tony Warner and Wayne Routledge.
The first half was indicative of Fulham's troubles, as they were largely outplayed by a Leicester team themselves hardly pulling up trees in the Championship. Even so, the opening goal for the visitors was fortuitous.
Matt Fryatt met a long ball to get in behind and finish low, but despite looking offside the linesman - a few yards behind play - kept his flag down and Leicester led.
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Alan Maybury fired wide and Leicester started to pass Fulham off the park, however, they became too casual and allowed the Cottagers back in with 10 minutes of the half remaining. Tomasz Radzinski did well on the left to cross, Heidar Helguson dragged the defence with him and McBride was left with a simple finish. Leicester restored their advantage in stoppage time, as Levi Porter's cross was headed in by the strong Gareth McAuley.
As if 2-1 down at the break wasn't bad enough for Fulham, Leicester added a cushion to their lead immediately after the restart, as 19-year-old James Wesolowski netted the first goal of his career.
Now playing for Oldham Athletic, Wesolowski never scored in the league for Leicester in 46 appearances. However, the decisive moment had happened at the break, as manager Chris Coleman brought on Vincenzo Montella for McBride.
In the 51st minute the diminutive Italian poked in a cross just after his shot had hit the post and on the hour mark he levelled the encounter with a header at the far post.
The positions he had taken up in just 15 minutes on the pitch had set up a thrilling final 30 minutes and possibly 30 more, but just had Leicester did in the opening game Fulham scored late on.
Routledge weaved through the defence to stab in a winner in stoppage time and send Fulham through to the fourth round.
Matt Domm
