Charlton ousted as Chelsea survive
LONDON, England -- English Premier League high-fliers Charlton were the biggest casualties of Saturday's FA Cup third round action, losing 3-2 at first division Gillingham.
Title contenders Chelsea twice trailed at division one side Watford before forcing a replay with a 2-2 draw.
And Premier League bottom club Wolverhampton Wanderers needed a late equalizer from Alex Rae to save them from embarrassment against third division Kidderminster.
Charlton, fourth in the Premier League, paid the price for fielding a weakened side against Gillingham, despite taking the lead in the first minute when Ian Cox scored an own goal.
Tommy Johnson, Mamady Sidibe and Paul Smith all scored before the break to push the match beyond Charlton, although Carlton Cole, on loan from Chelsea, scored a late consolation for the London side.
Watford were fortunate to get an early lead against Chelsea as television replays clearly showed that Heidar Helguson's looping header on five minutes failed to cross the line, but they fought hard on a difficult pitch to make life uncomfortable for their visitors.
Chelsea equalized on 33 minutes when Eidur Gudjohnsen struck from the penalty spot following a foul by Watford goalkeeper Lenny Pidgeley on Jesper Gronkjaer, but Watford regained the lead seconds later as Gavin Mahon headed in from close range.
However, Frank Lampard tied the match just before halftime with a low drive from the edge of the box.
Bit of luck
"We needed a bit of luck today and we got a little bit," said Watford coach Ray Lewington, before refusing to speculate on his side's chances in the replay at Chelsea.
"That's ridiculous. We won't think about that for now. We're all celebrating. It's great for the club because we got another big payday, and we need it."
Chelsea striker Gudjohnsen, whose penalty followed a foul by Watford goalkeeper Lenny Pidgeley on Jesper Gronkjaer, admitted a draw had been a fair result.
"We did have the chance to score more goals. I think two-all might be a fair result on the day. The pitch made it very hard to play football here. The ball wasn't dropping for us sometimes."
In all-Premier Division clashes there were decisive victories for Birmingham, who beat Blackburn 4-0 and Newcastle, 3-0 winners at Southampton, who were beaten in the final last season by holders Arsenal.
Newcastle, who were heavily criticized by chairman Freddie Shepherd after recent poor results, responded with a super performance at St Mary's.
England international Kieron Dyer, pushed up into attack alongside Alan Shearer, starred with a goal in each half, with Lauren Robert also on the scoresheet.
Nicolas Anelka scored twice for Manchester City as they were held 2-2 at home by Leicester City in the other match on Saturday involving clubs from England's top flight.
In other games nvolving Premier League clubs, Bolton drew 1-1 with second division Tranmere, Portsmouth won 2-1 against second division Blackpool and Tottenham beat first division Crystal Palace 3-0.
Non-League Telford continued their giant-killing tradition with a 1-0 win over first division Crewe Alexandra, their 13th league scalp in the competition.
Premier League leaders Manchester United face Aston Villa on Sunday, while Arsenal visit Leeds. Liverpool travel to third division Yeovil Town.
