FA Cup: Dream draw for Keegan

Kevin Keegan’s dream came true last night when he was handed a return to former club Newcastle in the fifth round of the FA Cup.

Keegan’s Manchester City crushed Ipswich 4-1 at Portman Road to move into the last 16 - and were rewarded with a trip to St James’ Park, scene of the former England coach’s reign from 1992 to 1997.

And Keegan revealed: ‘‘It’s strange, but before the game I said to my players ‘if we get through we’ll play Newcastle or Fulham.

‘‘I knew that was going to happen it always happens to me.

He added: ‘‘We may not be quite good enough we may not be ready for it yet but the players may have other ideas.’’

Newcastle were given a shock by Peterborough at London Road as Posh fought back from 2-0 down to equalise, before late goals helped the Magpies through 4-2.

‘‘I hope it’s our year, but I’ve lost count how many times I’ve said that in six years at Newcastle,’’ said skipper Alan Shearer, who netted a penalty six minutes from time before Aaron Hughes wrapped up the win at London Road.

Arsenal put out holders Liverpool in an explosive clash at Highbury which saw three players sent off.

And the FA Cup favourites have been handed a home tie against either Gillingham or Bristol Rovers in round five.

‘‘It was the result we really wanted. If we can take care of Gillingham, it is going to be a great game,’’ said Rovers striker Nathan Ellington, whose side’s tie at Priestfield was postponed because of a waterlogged pitch.

Ellington netted a hat-trick as Rovers dumped Premiership strugglers Derby out in round three, and the 20-year-old is looking for more of the same should Rovers meet the Gunners.

He said: ‘‘We have done well against Derby away and so we are high on confidence and am sure we can cause an upset.’’

First Division strugglers Walsall pulled off the shock result of Saturday’s action when they won 2-1 at top-flight Charlton to give new boss Colin Lee the perfect start to his reign.

The Saddlers are at home to Premiership millionaires Fulham, who won 2-0 at York on Saturday, in round four.

‘‘I can use the Fulham game as part of my motivation for the rest of the season now,’’ said Lee.

‘‘I am sure every player will want to play against Fulham, so they will have to perform to earn their shirts.’’

Cheltenham’s reward for knocking out First Division high-flyers Burnley 2-1 at Whaddon Road yesterday is a trip to West Bromwich Albion.

The Baggies beat Premiership side Leicester on Saturday, but Robins’ boss Steve Cotterill is looking to continue to fly the flag for Division Three after his side reached the last 16 for the first time in their history.

He said: ‘‘I am sure West Brom will be rubbing their hands, but we will do our best when we get there.’’

Crewe boss Dario Gradi is not concerned about their trip to Everton taking the focus away from their battle against relegation from Division One.

The Goodison side beat Leyton Orient 4-1 in the last round, while Crewe won 4-2 at Rotherham and Gradi is looking forward to the experience of taking on a Premiership club in their own backyard.

‘‘It will generate a lot of interest among the supporters,’’ he said. ‘‘It will be a good day out.’’

Division Two will also be represented in the last 16 after Tranmere came from behind to beat Cardiff 3-1 at Prenton Park.

Dave Watson’s men must wait to discover who they will play, though, after being pulled out of the bag away to either Tottenham or Bolton, whose game was another victim of Saturday’s wet weather.

‘‘It’s a good draw, to be honest,’’ said Rovers midfielder Sean Flynn, who put his side 2-1 up against the Bluebirds. ‘‘We wanted a Premier League side and we have got a Premier League side.’’

Chelsea drew 1-1 with West Ham at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, and whoever comes through the replay will be at home to Preston.

North End - twice winners of the competition - beat four-time winners Sheffield United 2-1 at Deepdale.

Boss David Moyes said: ‘‘I would rather have had a home draw, but it gives us a chance to pit ourselves against some of the best in the Premiership.’’

The only all-Premiership tie of the round will take place at The Riverside, where Middlesbrough and Blackburn will meet.

Boro will be looking to build on Saturday’s two-goal late show which dumped Manchester United out.

Rovers have already beaten Steve McClaren’s men in the Worthington Cup this season, winning 2-1 at Ewood Park in October last year on their way to the final.

Andy Cole’s fourth goal in six games was enough to beat Millwall at The New Den and book Blackburn’s place in the last 16.