🏆 FA Cup: Everton win after Dyche exit; Fulham on fire; Sheffield Utd out | OneFootball

The third round of the FA Cup kicked off on Thursday with a handful of matches across England. Here is what went down.

Everton grind out victory as new era begins

Scorer: Beto 42', Ndiaye 90+8' (P)

Everton began the post-Sean Dyche era with a win following a 2-0 victory over Peterborough United. But even before hitting the pitch at Goodison Park, there were plenty of early storylines.

First, the Toffees hosted this clash mere hours after announcing the departure of their manager, with Leighton Baines and Seamus Coleman in charge of the match.

Additionally, family relations were in focus as veteran Ashley Young found himself against his son Tyler, who plays for Posh.

As for the action on the pitch, the opener arrived after first-half domination from Everton.

Beto was the goalscorer and rounded goalkeeper Nicholas Bilokapic after a brilliant through ball from Harrison Armstrong.

However, as they continued into the second half, the lone goal wouldn't have been too comfortable for the hosts. Fortunately for Everton, Peterborough only registered one shot on target and showed no threats for an equaliser.

The Young family missed a chance to become the first father-son duo to compete against each other, with Tyler as an unused substitute.

There were mixed emotions for the Toffees late in the game, too. Armando Broja was first forced off on a stretcher after falling awkwardly before Iliman Ndiaye secured the victory with a penalty.

Fulham let the goals fly against Watford

Scorers: Muniz 26; Jimenez 49' (P), Andersen 65'; Vata 33'

The goals were flying at Craven Cottage as Fulham beat Watford 4-1, thanks to a dominant performance in front of home fans.

Thunderbolt strikes were the theme of the first half as these two sides produced a peach of a goal each. The first of which arrived courtesy of the hosts.

A brilliant team move saw the ball eventually find a lurking Rodrigo Muniz in the box, and he thumped a strike beyond diving goalkeeper Jonathan Bond into the bottom right corner.

However, mere minutes later, the visitors hit back thanks to a rocket of a shot from outside the box by 19-year-old Rocco Vata. It's a strike the Republic of Ireland youth international won't forget for a long time!

Coming out after the break, Fulham continued to control the match as they wracked up 27 shots and 72% possession of the ball against Watford.

Substitute Raúl Jiménez continued his perfect conversion rate from the penalty spot only five minutes after the restart to turn things back in favour of the hosts.

A third goal for Fulham then put the game to bed via Joachim Anderson, with the visitors unable to muster up a comeback thanks to only two efforts on target

The Danish defender initially mistimed his shot following a corner but set himself up for a second attempt and volleyed home.

He was not the only defender to get on the scoresheet, either, as Timothy Castagne later headed home a cross from substitute Martial Godo for 4-1.

Cardiff City upset Sheffield United

Scorer: Ashford 19'

Cardiff City will continue their FA Cup pursuit following a slim 1-0 victory at Sheffield United.

The Welsh visitors were initially the most eager of the two during a back-and-forth first half and were rewarded for their hard work with the opener.

Cian Ashford broke the deadlock when he stripped Rhys Norrington-Davies of the ball and raced through on goal before converting confidently at the near post.

Sheffield United eventually grew into the game regarding shots on net and possession of the ball, but nothing could genuinely test goalkeeper Ethan Horvath.

The American notably denied Rhian Brewster and Louie Marsh, and the hosts failed to break down the visiting defence despite dominating the game statistically.

The result is an upset from a Championship perspective, with Sheffield United notably sitting third in the league and Cardiff City second from the bottom.

More FA Cup action continues on Friday, with Wycombe hosting Portsmouth and Aston Villa facing West Ham.

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