Arsene’s young Guns reign supreme in the Carling Cup; Manchester United edge past QPR; Giant-killings for Blyth Spartans & Histon, while Port Vale come back from the dead

Arsenal 3 - Wigan 0 (Carling Cup, November 11, 2008) (Longer highlights here.) Arsene’s babes were up to their usual tricks in the Carling Cup, moving ahead in splendid fashion against Wigan when Jack Wilshere threaded a perfect through-ball to young Jay Simpson, who steered home his first goal for the Gunners just before halftime. (First half highlights here.) After the break the kids put together a goal of breathtaking pace, Carlos Vela left Boyce in his wake bursting down the left before setting up Simpson for his second. And the third was magical, Johan Djourou broke out of defence to play an incisive pass through to Carlos Vela, and the Mexican pulled out a top draw chip to seal the match. Arsenal’s stand-in keeper Lukasz Fabianski also impressed, producing a wonderful double-save to keep a clean sheet.

Manchester United 1 - QPR 0 (Carling Cup, November 11, 2008) It took a Carlos Tevez penalty 14 minutes from time for United to see off Rangers.

Derby 2 - Leeds 1 (Carling Cup, November 11, 2008) The Rams took the lead after just five minutes when Emanuel Villa turned and curled in his fifth goal in four games. Derby doubled their lead when Nathan Ellington scored after some good work by Villa and Kris Commons. Leeds clawed themselves back into the game with a Luciano Becchio header but despite their best efforts the League One side could not find an equaliser.

Stoke 2 - Rotherham 0 (Carling Cup, November 11, 2008) A Glenn Whealan free-kick and a goal from Danny Pugh sent Stoke into the quarters.

Swansea 0 - Watford 1 (Carling Cup, November 11, 2008) Lee Williamson’s early strike was decisive.

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Chester 0 - Millwall 3 (FA Cup, November 8, 2008) League One Millwall left it late at the Deva Stadium as all three goals for Kenny Jackett’s men arrived in the final 14 minutes. Lewis Grabban opened the scoring and the lead was doubled just moments later when Neil Harris fired. The icing was put on the win when Ashley Grimes scored in injury time.

Blyth Spartans 3 - Shrewsbury 1 (FA Cup, November 8, 2008) The Conference North side took the lead at Croft Park within the opening 60 seconds as Shaun Reay fired home. Former Darlington striker Reay added his second on the half-hour before Simon Todd lashed home the third less than ten minutes into the second half. Grant Holt gave Shrews some hope but it was no more than mere consolation as Harry Dunn’s men moved comfortably into the next round.

Huddersfield Town 3 - Port Vale 4 (FA Cup, November 8, 2008) Louis Dodds gave Vale the lead near the half-hour mark, only for Michael Collins to equalise towards the end of the first half. The hosts then pulled away with further strikes from Ian Craney and Robbie Williams. With 11 minutes remaining, Vale drew level with goals from David Howland and Louis Dodds, before skipper Marc Richards curled home a superb free-kick in the second minute of stoppage time to seal a famous win for the Valiants.

Histon 1 - Swindon 0 (FA Cup, November 8, 2008) Blue Square Premier side Histon put their name in the hat for the second round as Daniel Wright netted the decisive strike.

Oxford 0 - Dorchester 0 (FA Cup, November 8, 2008)