LACK OF THE NET

Replay beckons after stalemate at Bridge

ABOLITIONISTS lobbying for the end of FA Cup replays found compelling evidence to support their cause in a Stamford Bridge stalemate.

Despite an abundance of good intentions, composure in the final third was as common as rocking horse droppings.

Scrapping replays is a virtuous concept if it helps to uncluttered the fixture list, but it does not solve profligacy on its own.

Mauricio Pochettino and Unai Emery could have detained their players until midnight, but in the absence of anyone who could locate the back of the net, a sequel by Spaghetti Junction was always the likeliest outcome.

If Chelsea are to fulfil Poch Spice's ambition of two Wembley finals this season, they will have to take the scenic route.