Good news for Mick McCarthy and the Republic of Ireland as Andy Townsend emerged unscathed from Middlesbrough's 2-0 win over local rivals Sunderland last night. Townsend stayed on the pitch for the full 90 minutes in this his first match back from a knee injury.

Former Gunner Paul Merson turned provider in the second half when he set up debutant Andrew Campbell in the 58th minute to break the deadlock. Craig Hignett settled the tie when he crashed home the second goal from the edge of Sunderland's box. Derby County had to come from behind to beat Tottenham at White Hart Lane and they owed their safe passage into the next round to Costa Rican forward Paolo Wanchope.

Frenchman David Ginola opened the scoring when he wriggled through the Derby defence after 22 minutes, but Paolo Wanchope restored parity five minutes later. The Costa Rican striker then made space for himself inside the Spurs' box to shoot low under Walker in the 71st minute to give Derby a 2-1 win.

Brave Hull were despatched with consummate ease at St James' Park, but it still took Newcastle until the second half to break their stubborn resistance.

Any dream of glory finally began to crumble when former Bradford wing-back Des Hamilton started and finished a move in the 47th minute to register his first goal for the Magpies.

And with just seven minutes remaining, former Welsh international Ian Rush killed off any Humberside giant-killing act and, in the process, equalled the goal-scoring record for the competition.

Rod Wallace scored twice in extra-time to send Leeds into the fourth round of the Cup. The game had erupted in the 65th minute when Stoke's Andy Griffin was sandwiched in the box by Gunnar Halle and David Weatherall, referee Peter Jones pointing to the spot.

Graham Kavanagh kept his cool and lashed home the penalty. But that only served to inspire Leeds, and three minutes later, they equalised. The game then moved into extra-time, when Wallace notched up his double.