ENGLISH LEAGUE CUP/Round-up: Sunderland booked their place in the third round of the English League Cup with a 7-0 romp at Cambridge. And although last night's victory at the Abbey Stadium may have been against a side three divisions below them, it will have nevertheless provide a much-needed morale boost ahead of Sunday's trip to Arsenal.
Goals from Claudio Reyna (21) and Gavin McCann (25) gave the visitors a two-goal cushion at the break. Julio Arca (54) made it 3-0 before Marcus Stewart (66 and 68) netted his first goals for the club, with fellow deadline day signing Tore Andre Flo (75 and 83) also adding a brace.
Middlesbrough boss Steve McClaren rang the changes for their trip to Brentford, but it mattered little as his side romped to a 4-1 win. Middlesbrough, third in the Premiership, fielded almost an entire second-string XI at Griffin Park.
Argentinian midfielder Carlos Marinelli (18) and Noel Whelan (20) set the visitors on their way, before another rapid brace from Mark Wilson (75) and Stewart Downing (76) completed the rout.
Crewe striker Rodney Jack gave his team the lead at Manchester City, who took until the 69th minute to finally get back on level terms through Eyal Berkovic. When Richard Walker put through his own net with just six minutes left, it looked as if City would be in the hat for round three.
However, more drama was yet to unfold as Hulse (86) bundled the ball home in Crewe's next attack to level, only for Darren Huckerby (87) to win it for the home side moments later with a 20-yard screamer.
Wimbledon dumped First Division leaders Portsmouth out at Fratton Park. Vincent Pericard headed Pompey in front after six minutes, only for Joel McAnuff to pull the Dons level a minute later. And the match was turned on its head when Mikele Leigertwood (16) nodded in Alex Tapp's corner. Neil Shipperley (59) headed home McAnuff's free-kick to make the game safe in the second half.
Teddy Sheringham's first-half goal was enough to send Tottenham through against Cardiff at White Hart Lane. The England striker neatly converted Mauricio Taricco's centre to give Spurs the advantage.
Another Premiership side who had little trouble in seeing off lower league opposition were Everton, 3-0 winners at Wrexham. Kevin Campbell (25) and a late double from teenager substitute Wayne Rooney (83 and 89) secured a decent win for David Moyes' team.
But West Ham had to go to penalties to slip past lowly Chesterfield. Jermaine Defoe scored after just 13 minutess, but the Premiership side were caught off guard by Chris Brandon on 52 minutes. The London side won the penalty shoot-out 5-4.
