Soccer: Stevenage hold Spurs to draw

Tottenham Hotspur suffered the same fate as Chelsea as they were held to a draw by lower opposition in the fifth round of the English FA Cup yesterday.

Just over 24 hours after Chelsea drew with Birmingham City, Harry Redknapp's side could only draw 0-0 at League One side Stevenage and face a replay to earn a place in the last eight.

Spurs dominated possession at Stevenage but could not find a way through their stout defence.

Michael Dawson came closest to winning it when his header was cleared off the line, while Gareth Bale went close.

Redknapp, the favourite for the vacant England manager's job, conceded it had been a tough match for his men, who are third in the Premier League.

"I've been around long enough to know what to expect," Redknapp said. "I have managed teams in the lower divisions and seen Premier League teams knocked out.

"Stevenage are a difficult team to play and worked their socks off. The pitch was bumpy and the ball was bobbling everywhere - but they are a good side, bang in form."

Liverpool romped into the last eight with a 6-1 hammering of Championship side Brighton, who contributed with three own goals.

Kazenga LuaLua equalised Martin Sktrel's early opener for Liverpool and it was 1-1 until just before halftime when Liam Bridcutt inadvertently diverted Sam Vokes' clearance into his own net.

Andy Carroll made it 3-1 with a nice finish after a slick move and Bridcutt was unlucky again as he turned in Steven Gerrard's shot.

Lewis Dunk then scored a third own goal for Brighton and though Luis Suarez missed a penalty, the Uruguayan headed a late sixth.

Liverpool will play Stoke in the last eight after Tony Pulis' side survived the early sending-off of Rory Delap to win 2-0 at Crawley Town.

Delap was red-carded for a foul on David Hunt but a penalty by Jon Walters and a header from Peter Crouch were enough to see the Premier League side through.

League Two side Crawley began well and hit the woodwork but despite the one-man disadvantage, Stoke took control and ran out convincing winners.

Stoke were then drawn to visit Liverpool in the quarter-finals set for March 17 and 18.

The other games are Everton v Sunderland, Tottenham or Stevenage v Bolton and Birmingham or Chelsea v Leicester.

- AAP