Carling Cup Round-up

by The Rumour Monger
(Cyberspace)

Who needs Wayne Rooney? Javier Hernandez was again the hero for Manchester United as he scored the winner late on to see off Wolves at Old Trafford.

'The Little Pea' won it with a brilliant individual effort after the visitors had twice fought back from a goal down, and the game looked to be heading for extra-time.

United's other goals were scored by Bebe and Park Ji-Sung, while George Elokobi and Kevin Foley scored for Wolves - 3-2.

It was an even closer affair at St Andrews, where League One Brentford lost on penalties to Birmingham City.

Brentford, who knocked-out Everton in the last round, looked to have pulled off another upset after Sam Wood gave them the lead. But, with just seconds remaining, Kevin Phillips scored a dramatic equaliser.

With no goals in extra time the match went to penalties, where City prevailed 4-3.

And there was no fairy tale either for Northampton Town. The Cobblers, who dumped Liverpool out in the previous round, threatened another shock as Liam Davis game them the lead on 16 minutes.

Ipswich though were in no mood to play the fall-guys, and eventually ran out 3-1 winners

Elsewhere, Roberto Martinez ended the hopes of his former club Swansea as Wigan sealed a 2-0 win at the DW, Mauro Boselli and Ben Watson scoring to see them them through.

Finally, to the Walkers Stadium, where in-form West Brom marched into the quarter-finals courtesy of a convincing 4-1 win over Leicester City.

Roberto Di Matteo's side took the lead through Simon Cox on 21 minutes, before a Nicky Shorey own-goal got the Foxes level.

Second half goals by Somen Tchoyi, Steven Reid and Cox eased the Baggies home.