FA Cup

A Manchester derby is one of the hottest proposition and one of the most fiercely fought matches all around the world. And when we add the prospect of landing one hand on the FA Cup trophy it adds extra zing and spice to the contest. However the fans would have to wait not much longer as Manchester United have been drawn to play City at Wembley for a place in the FA Cup final. Both teams very well understand that winning the tie would be akin to winning the final. In the other semi final match, Stoke square off against an in form Bolton Wanderers led by Owen Coyle.

Also Read: FA Cup Sunday Preview

Just to show our readers what this means for the contenders, Manchester City have not lifted silverware for 35 years and it means extra for Roberto Mancini who needs to deliver something after a huge summer spending spree. Bolton Wanderers last picked the FA Cup back in 1956 whereas Stoke would be counting this as their chance to be in a first ever FA Cup final. Manchester United are fighting on three fronts but that can be a big disadvantage come the end of the season.

Sunday Review: Manchester City edged past championship side Reading courtesy of a powerful Micah Richards header off a corner from David Silva. The Spaniard who has started showing his destructive play for which Manchester City signed him was in the thick of the action as he repeatedly tormented Reading defense but the goalkeeper was up to it. Reading too had their few share of moments but Manchester City dominated the first half. The second half started in a similar fashion but Manchester City started looking increasingly frustrated as was evident by their shots. However a cool cross from David Silva found Micah Richards who rose up to the occasion to drive home City to the FA Cup semi final.

In the other clash, Stoke City buoyed by their scattered but supportive crowd narrowly edged past West Ham in a tense nail biting clash. Stoke City dominated the proceedings early on which paid off as centre back Robert Huth put City in front in the first half. But Frederick Piquionne was the centre of attraction later when he handled the ball and went on to score hammers equalizer. Former West Ham star Matthew Etherington was unable to convert the penalty gifted to Stoke and it seemed to be Robert Green’s day. However a free kick right outside the penalty box was vociferously drilled through the defence wall by Higginbotham past Rob green who narrowly missed out on a wonderful save. Stoke City absorbed the pressure from the Hammers and Mathew Upson almost scored the late equalizer. But Stoke City held on to a famous win booking their place in the semis for the first time in 39 years.

Tags: Bolton, FA Cup, Manchester City, Manchester derby, Manchester United, Micah Richards, Stoke, Wembley