Leeds beat Accrington Stanley 3-1 to book their place in the fifth round of the FA Cup for the first time in seven years as Leicester also avoided a shock with a 1-0 win at Walsall on Saturday.
Jack Harrison’s stunning long-range strike settled Leeds’ nerves of an upset against the League One side at the Wham Stadium.
Jesse Marsch’s men face a fight to survive in the Premier League, but are beginning to click as an attacking force with the return of Patrick Bamford and Luis Sinisterra from injury to complement new signing Georginio Rutter.
“I’m confident this group is coming together,” said Marsch.
“Really happy with the team, with the progress we are making. I think we are ready for some big challenges now.”
Bamford’s brilliant reverse pass set up Junior Firpo to double the visitors’ lead just after the hour mark.
Two minutes later, Sinisterra tapped home Harrison’s cross to end the tie as a contest.
But there was a moment to savor for Stanley as 18-year-old Leslie Adekoya pulled a goal back nine minutes from time.
– Iheanacho saves Leicester –
Leicester were pushed even closer by League Two Walsall only to be bailed out by FA Cup specialist Kelechi Iheanacho.
The Nigerian has scored more goals in the competition than any other player since making his debut in 2016.
Iheanacho’s 17th goal in 23 FA Cup appearances had some luck as his strike from the edge of the box took a wicked deflection for the only goal 23 minutes from time.
Full-back Romain Perraud scored twice as Southampton saw off a late rally by Blackpool to advance 2-1.
Fulham are the only Premier League side that have failed to win so far on Saturday after they were held 1-1 by Sunderland at Craven Cottage.
Jack Clarke fired the visitors into an early lead against a much-changed Fulham side.
But Tom Cairney’s equalizer on the hour mark sent the tie to a replay.
Four other ties will need replays to find a winner, including Championship leaders Burnley’s clash with Ipswich after a 0-0 draw at Portman Road.
Harry Kane can move out on his own as Tottenham’s all-time top goalscorer later on Saturday when Spurs visit Preston.
Manchester United are also in action against Championship opposition as Erik ten Hag’s men host Reading.
Manchester City were the first team into round five after they saw off Arsenal 1-0 on Friday night in a clash between the top two in the Premier League.
Liverpool travel to Brighton in the pick of Sunday’s ties.
kca/dj