FA Cup: Swansea stunned, Chelsea cruise

11 January,2016 08:22 AM IST |   |  AFP

Kemar Roofe's brace helps fourth-tier Oxford shock EPL side 3-2, while reigning champions ease past third-tier Scunthorpe Utd 2-0

Oxford Utd's Kemar Roofe celebrates scoring against Swansea City in a FA Cup third round tie in Oxford yesterd


London: Kemar Roofe scored twice as fourth-tier Oxford United pulled off the first major shock in this season's FA Cup by stunning Premier League stragglers Swansea City 3-2 yesterday.


Oxford Utd's Kemar Roofe celebrates scoring against Swansea City in a FA Cup third round tie in Oxford yesterday

Chelsea avoided the same fate against third-tier Scunthorpe United, with goals from Diego Costa and Ruben Loftus-Cheek earning them a straightforward 2-0 win.

Swansea went ahead at Oxford through Jefferson Montero's clever back-heel, but Liam Sercombe equalised and Roofe's classy 10-minute brace took the League Two side through despite Bafetimbi Gomis replying in the 66th minute.

"It's going crazy out there. Everyone is bouncing. The atmosphere was brilliant and it's the same in the dressing room now," Roofe, who came through the youth ranks at West Brom, told BBC Sport.


Chelsea's Diego Costa (in blue) shoots to score in the FA Cup third-round match against Scunthorpe United at Stamford Bridge in London yesterday. Chelsea won 2-0. Pic/AFP

"We're used to more possession in the league and came up against a well-known passing team, but matched them Oxford all set to party "We'll enjoy the moment tonight, maybe have the day off tomorrow, and get back on it the day after," added Roofe.

Swansea manager Alan Curtis admitted he was disappointed. "We made changes and there was some rustiness. I'm disappointed. The league is always a priority, but we wanted a cup run for momentum. It's a huge setback."

Meanwhile, Chelsea interim manager Guus Hiddink's quest to repeat his feat of 2009 by leading the club to FA Cup glory got off to a positive start against Scunthorpe.

Costa steered in Branislav Ivanovic's cross to give Chelsea a 13th-minute lead and half-time substitute Loftus-Cheek, (19) clipped home his first goal for the club from Cesar Azpilicueta's pass in the 68th minute.

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
Related Stories