Dzeko delivers to deny County famous victory

EDIN DZEKO may have little in the way of in-depth knowledge of the traditions of the FA Cup, but no doubt he will soon discover just how much Roberto Mancini has to thank him for preventing the Manchester City manager from suffering the embarrassment of one of the biggest FA Cup upsets in the modern era at Meadow Lane.

Dzeko will also know little of the tradition of one of the longest established and founder members of the Football League, but his goal 11 minutes from time on his FA Cup debut prevented them from adding another significant page to the history books ahead of their 150th anniversary next year.

Mancini’s relief was as visible as the scarred surface at the League One ground which almost claimed his side as a high-profile victim.