The multiple winners fall at the semi-final stage, the holders live to fight on.
San Dimas High School 6 v 0 You Know Your Boston Rock FC
The Fabulous Artisans 3 v 3 The Cow-Faced Juniors
I usually start these round-ups with the holders but I think there's a good reason not to this week. Boston Rock love this competition almost as much as I love a cold beer on a warm Christmas morning so part of me is sorry to inflict such a grievous defeat on him. But the other, bigger part is thrilled to be through to the final in such style. Theo Walcott got free in the first minute and his curled shot deflected past Ben Foster for a perfect start for me and there was a great end to the half when Romelu Lukaku smashed home a loose ball. The next goal was always going to be crucial and it came from an ex-Rocker in James Milner who rifled into the top corner from 25 yards to start repaying his transfer fee. Jon Walters header and two clean sheets were the coup de grace.
The holders staged an extraordinary fightback against the league leaders to earn a replay this weekend. The CFJs had raced into a three goal in little more than 15 minutes. Aaron Lennon and Michu scoring from close range and then Gareth Bale's free-kick deceived Asmir Begovic. It was Mario Balotelli's first goal of the season on 69 minutes that set the comeback in motion. Three minutes later a CFJs clearance clattered into Bale's face and flew into his own net and then, with ten minutes left, Christian Benteke powered home a header which means they'll try again at the Drove Stadium.
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