FA Cup round-up: York face fine and player rage after late arrival at Stoke

04 January 2010 01:21
York's board will have some explaining to do today as their angry players bemoan a decision that could land the Blue Square Premier promotion chasers with a fine from the Football Association.[LNB] Despite a draw against Stoke that promised a cash windfall of around £100,000 in gate receipts plus £20,000 in television revenue, York's directors opted against spending the £2,000 it would have cost for an overnight stay in the Potteries.[LNB] Give us a lift: Neil Barrett celebrates with Alex Lawless after York took a shock lead[LNB] Instead they set off at 10.15am on Saturday and the decision backfired when snow and traffic marooned them on the M6, causing them to arrive less than a minute before the 3pm kick-off. The start was delayed for half an hour, which is likely to cost York more in fines than they saved, and their players were forced to change and warm-up in 'absolute chaos', according to goalkeeper Mike Ingham. [LNB]He said: 'Sitting on a bus for so long was hardly the best preparation and it spoiled what should have been a really special occasion.[LNB] 'Why didn't we have a stop-over? You'd have to ask the board that. The players aren't too pleased.[LNB] 'No chance to savour the atmosphere. No chance to have a look around and enjoy the occasion. The lads feel pretty angry.'[LNB] Despite their issues, York struck first through Neil Barrett, but Stoke won 3-1 after an own goal by Danny Parslow and goals by Ricardo Fuller and Matthew Etherington.[LNB] Right on time: York's Alex Lawless opens the scoring[LNB] Goalkeeper Joe Hart gave BIRMINGHAM manager Alex McLeish a huge boost after their 0-0 draw at NOTTINGHAM FOREST by confirming that he would be willing to spend a second season on loan. [LNB]Hart said: 'I'm not ruling out coming back for a second season. It's exciting here at the moment and it's nice to feel wanted.'[LNB] Rob Earnshaw's penalty miss was Forest's best chance.[LNB] NEWCASTLE boss Chris Hughton insisted he was right to make seven changes to his starting line-up despite being forced to a replay by PLYMOUTH after a 0-0 draw at Home Park. 'If we don't play these young players when we have the chance how will we know if they are good enough?' he asked.[LNB] FULHAM's promising central defender Chris Smalling, who turned down a university place to play for The Cottagers, was ecstatic to play in the 1-0 win over League One club SWINDON. [LNB]He said: 'For homegrown players the Cup is one of those competitions that is on TV every year. For me it is like having a second chance in football.' [LNB]Bobby Zamora settled matters with his sixth goal in seven games. [LNB] So who was up for the cup? Sportsmail takes a look at FA Cup third round attendancesLIVE: FA CUP THIRD ROUND - Leeds dump Manchester United out, Arsenal see off West Ham, Chelsea hammer the Hornets and the Blades will replay QPR - all the action as it happenedFA Cup fourth round draw: Leeds rewarded with trip to Tottenham[LNB] [LNB]  

Source: Daily_Mail