United progress on emotional night

Manchester United eased their way past West Brom and through to the quarter-finals of the Carling Cup as Old Trafford paid tribute to the late George Best.

On an emotional night – the first game at United’s ground since Best passed away last week – Cristiano Ronaldo opened the scoring from the penalty spot after he was brought down by Diomansy Kamara.

Louis Saha doubled the lead after 16 minutes with a smart finish, while John O’Shea sealed the win in the 56th minute after exchanging passes with Saha.

Nathan Ellington pulled one back to give the Baggies hopes, but it remained 3-1.

Wigan striker and Irish international David Connolly scored a late penalty at the JJB Stadium to send Newcastle out of the cup.

Connolly struck in the 88th minute after Robbie Elliott had fouled Jason Roberts in the penalty.

It was fair reward for the Latics, who had created better chances but struggled to find a way past Shay Given.

Blackburn staged an amazing late comeback to win 3-2 against Charlton at The Valley after going two goals down.

Danny Murphy’s vision set up the opener for Darren Ambrose eight minutes before the interval, before the Addicks playmaker doubled the lead himself in the 50th minute.

Rovers striker Shefki Kuqi pulled one back with 15 minutes remaining, with David Thompson then levelling six minutes later. David Bentley snatched a dramatic late winner two minutes from full-time.

Middlesbrough came from a goal down to beat Crystal Palace at the Riverside.

Franck Queudrue’s comical own goal handed the lead to the Coca-Cola Championship side in the 31st minute.

Mark Viduka levelled from 25 yards on the counter-attack before Szilard Nemeth netted the winner in the 55th minute.

Bolton left it late before securing their place in the quarter-finals.

Goals from substitute Jared Borgetti and Ricardo Vaz Te in extra-time took Sam Allardyce’s side past Coca-Cola Championship side Leicester at the Reebok Stadium.

Gareth Williams scored a consolation goal for the Foxes, who gave their top-flight opponents an uncomfortable night.