FA Cup: Old Trafford trip entices Leeds and Kettering

A Sunday afternoon in December, and while Arsenal v Chelsea, Everton v Liverpool and Barcelona v Real Madrid stole the headlines, the FA Cup had reached the all-important second round stage.

ITV showed Leeds United's trip to Rockingham Road to face Kettering Town. Kettering are under threat off the pitch, with the local council blocking the club's attempts to stay in the area as the end of their lease on the ground approaches.

To make matters worse, giant-killing expert Mark Cooper left the club to replace Darren Ferguson at Peterborough United and it was left to goalkeeper Lee Harper to take on the challenge of emulating Cooper's cup tricks with Kettering and Tamworth. He did a good job, leading by example as goals by Ian Roper and Jermaine Beckford resulted in a 1-1 draw.

And as if Kettering needed more motivation as they prepare to travel to Elland Road for the replay, they got the best possible draw in the third round: Manchester United away. It's a thrill for the Blue Square Premier side, of course, but comments from Leeds boss Simon Grayson after the draw reflected just how much this draw means for a club even of Leeds' size.

Elsewhere, York City were rewarded for second round success with a trip to Stoke City, while Carlisle United will visit Everton and Lincoln City will play away at Bolton Wanderers. Cooper's Peterborough are away at Tottenham Hotspur and Watford will face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

As always, there are some ties featuring two Premier League teams: West Ham United v Arsenal, Aston Villa v Blackburn Rovers, and Wigan Athletic v Hull City.

Overall, Manchester United, Leeds and Kettering will be the most pleased of the teams in the hat. As a Villa fan, I don't fancy our draw much and would have preferred an away trip to poor opposition or a home game against one of the big boys. Plenty of Premier League teams are at home and they'll be pleased with that.

In terms of shocks, keep an eye out for Forest Green's trip to Notts County. Rovers aren't exactly top quality but they seem to have a cup knack and County are favourable opponents for them. Coventry City will fancy their trip to Portsmouth and Tranmere Rovers or Aldershot will host Wolves - both would be confident of causing problems.

The full draw can be seen here.

(Pic via Your Leeds United)