Ipswich repulse Crewe boarders

Ipswich had to fend off a lively challenge from Crewe before securing a place in the fourth round of the Worthington Cup with a 3-2 win at Gresty Road.

Martin Reuser's two goals, on his return from a thigh injury, saw Ipswich to victory over their First Division hosts. The Dutchman took just three minutes to fire Ipswich into the lead, hammering an excellent strike into the top of Ademola Bankole's net. However, the lead only lasted five minutes, Rob Hulse rising to plant an unchallenged header into the Ipswich net.

Ipswich regained the advantage when Alun Armstrong struck a low half-volley past Bankole, before Reuser drilled home his second. The visitors then had to weather a frantic last 15 minutes after Dave Brammer fired home his first goal for Crewe.

Charlton manager Alan Curbishley was a relieved man after seeing his side book their place in the last 16 courtesy of a hard-fought 1-0 win at West Bromwich Albion.

The Premiership side went ahead against the run of play in the 19th minute through a controversial Jason Euell penalty. It looked like rough justice on the Baggies, who protested fiercely after Adam Chambers had been harshly adjudged to have fouled Chris Powell. But the protests fell on deaf ears and Euell stroked the ball home confidently to put Curbishley's side in the hat.

Gianluca Vialli's Watford thrashed Bradford 4-1 in a scintillating display led by two-goal Gifton Noel-Williams.

Micah Hyde headed home the opener and the lead was increased just before half-time when Noel-Williams nodded Patrick Blondeau's cross into the net for the second.

Watford were firmly in the driving seat soon after the break when Ramon Vega met Stephen Glass corner for number three before Noel-Williams fired home his second. Bradford scored a consolation when Ashley Ward despatched a penalty after being fouled in the area.

Walsall climbed off the bottom of the First Division and out of the relegation zone with a 2-0 win over Norwich.