Little Joy In Fa Cup For Our Aussies Abroad

With FA Cup action being the focus for most clubs in the UK this weekend, our Aussies have not fared too well in England, however in Scotland it is a more upbeat story.

In Scotland, Glasgow Rangers LG Socceroo Tony Vidmar (pictured) has progressed to the Scottish Cup fourth round, as has Hibernian’s Stuart Lovell, while Chris Coyne and Dunde

With FA Cup action being the focus for most clubs in the UK this weekend, our Aussies have not fared too well in England, however in Scotland it is a more upbeat story.

In Scotland, Glasgow Rangers LG Socceroo Tony Vidmar (pictured) has progressed to the Scottish Cup fourth round, as has Hibernian-s Stuart Lovell, while Chris Coyne and Dundee must endure a third round replay.

Rangers had a 2-0 victory against Division 3 side Brechin City, with Vidmar playing a full game. Also playing a full game was LG Socceroo Stuart Lovell, as he helped his side demolish Clyde 6-1 at home, but Chris Coyne will have to travel to Falkirk for a third round replay after Dundee was held to a nil-all draw at home.

In England, the news was not so good for the Aussies, as LG Socceroos Mark Viduka, John Aloisi, Con Blatsis and Daniel Allsopp all suffered defeats in their quest to progress in the FA Cup.

Viduka was unable to reproduce his previous spectacular effort against Liverpool as Leeds lost 2-0 at home, while Blatsis played a full game in Sheffield Wednesday-s 3-1 away loss to Southampton.

Allsopp too played a full game as Notts County went down to Wimbledon 1-0 in extra time, but Aloisi was confined to the bench as Coventry lost to Manchester City 1-0.

However, on the flip side of the equation, LG Socceroo Danny Tiatto, who missed Manchester City-s victory due to suspension, can now look forward to a fifth round clash against Cup favourites Liverpool.

Turning to League action, LG Socceroo Stan Lazaridis was judged one of the best players in Birmingham-s 1-0 win against Division One leader, Fulham.

Meanwhile, under the shadow of continued speculation about interest from Premier League clubs, Lucas Neill played a full game and picked up a caution in the 18th minute as Millwall lost 1-0 at home to Bournemouth, while Danny Invincibile played the entire 90 minutes as Swindon beat Bury 3-0 at home.

In Europe, LG Socceroo Hayden Foxe was booked and played the whole match as Mechelen lost 4-2 to Moeskroen, but national teammate Josip Skoko tasted success as Racing Genk beat St Truiden 3-0 at home.

The Dutch Amstel Cup was also played over the weekend, with LG Socceroo Brett Emerton enjoying victory as Feyenoord beat NEC Breda 2-1, while fellow Socceroo Zeljko Kalac played the full game as Roda beat Utrecht 2-0 at home and Joey Didulica remained on the bench as Ajax defeated Vitesse Amhem 2-1 at home.

In Germany, Josip Simunic played a full match as Hertha Berlin won 2-1 away to Hamburg, Ned Zelic played a full game as teammate and LG Socceroo Paul Agostino came off the bench, as 1860 Munich lost 2-0 away to Werder Bremen, while LG Socceroo David Zdrilic also came off the bench as Unterhaching lost 2-0 away to Freiburg.

In the French first division, LG Socceroo Mile Sterjovski came off the bench in the 71st minute and helped Lille beat St Etienne 4-1 at home to take equal top spot on the ladder.

In other news, Sydney 2000 Olympian Jason Culina has confirmed his loan move to Belgium-s Germinal Beerschot from Ajax in Holland, while his Olyroo teammate Nick Rizzo is to go on loan to Ancona from fellow Serie B side Ternana.

Meanwhile, speculation linking LG Socceroo Mark Schwarzer with Premier League side Arsenal is mounting, while former Carlton player Andrew Packer is currently trialling with Aston Villa.

And finally, our congratulations go out to LG Joey Brad Groves as he celebrates his 19th birthday on Monday (January 29), and to Nottingham Forest defender Gareth Edds, who celebrates his 20th birthday on Saturday (February 3).

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