Fourth-tier Oxford United knock out Swansea in FA Cup giant-killing act

New Delhi: League Two outfit Oxford United knock Premier League team Swansea out of FA Cup with a thrilling 3-2 win, even as Chelsea secure their passage into the fourth round with a comfortable 2-0 win over lowly Scunthorpe on Sunday.

The team from England's fourth tier fought back from an early goal-down at Kassam Stadium to record a memorable win at home. Despite the gap of more than 50 league positions between the clubs, the match at Oxford could well be regarded as a fight between two matching rivals, thanks to home side's energetic display.

Swansea's Ecuador international Jefferson Montero had put Swansea ahead in the 23rd minute, but Oxford scored three goals in a space of 14 minutes, first starting with a penalty conversion by Liam Sercombe at the first half stoppage time.

Then, young midfielder Kemar Roofe provided the lead in the 49th minutes. The 23-year-old double the lead with a brilliant solo effort in the 59th minute.

Swansea's Frenchman Bafetimbi Gomis reduced the lead with a 66th minute, but their efforts were not enough to force a replay as Oxford held onto the 3-2 lead.

Later in the day, Chelsea avoided last year's embarrassment by beating League One team Scunthorpe 2-0 at Stamford Bridge with Diego Costa and 19-year-old Ruben Loftus-Cheek scoring for the Blues.

Unlike the Oxford match, the London encounter was a one-sided affair with Premier League defending champions in complete control of the proceedings. The win will help some of pressure on the title hungry Chelsea, and ahead of the crucial league game against Sunderland on Wednesday.

Last season, Chelsea suffered a stunning 4-2 FA Cup defeat at home to Bradford City.

Later, season's surprise package Leicester City take on fellow Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane.

Yerterday, holders Arsenal beat Sunderland 3-1 at home to proceed to fourth round, while Manchester United scrapped through a Wayne Rooney penalty goal to beat Sheffield United 1-0 at Old Trafford. United's neighbours City also registered a comfortable 3-0 win over Norwich.

The draw for fourth round will take place live on Monday, and there will be a minimum of 32 names in the next stage. The fourth round ties are to be played between January 29 and February 1.