This was good to watch, not as good to watch as Scarlet Johansson at the BAFTAS mind (Ron do your stuff), but still it was a cup tie out of the top draw.

Valentines Day didn’t provide any kind of massacre in Shepherds Bush, although a certain Mr. Graham Poll did his best to provoke one, as the Chelsea wanker denied us a golden opportunity to settle the tie at the first time of asking.
Deep into stoppage time, Carrick was scythed down after playing the ball, just inside his own half, the pass had found its way to Etherington and he was through one on one with the keeper, glory was beckoning, a big forehead bearing down on a big nose, only one outcome, Just the simple task of an ardiles escape to victory manoeuvres and that was it, we were in the hat, the velvet bag, taking home the spoils (not the discount home ware store by the way) BUT no , Mr. Poll has to ruin everybody’s fun, expect Chairmen Tel ‘s of course, and blows up for the original offence on Carrick.. Knobber.
And the win was no more than we deserved, as the teams lined you had to wonder what Pardew was thinking as Mullins went to left back and Horlock in the middle, you would have thought it would be the other way round, but as the game progressed his decision was justified as both Horlock and Mullins made significant contributions.
I had barely had chance to settle into my seats and make friends with the people around me, I’m like that, when Harewood volleyed Etherington’s cross at the Van Dar Star. I timed it at 11 secs into the game where as a lot of tabloids would have you believe it was 8secs in, just goes to show.
And that set the tone, we competed all over the pitch, and bar the odd flashes of skill and touch from Malbranque we were more than the equal of the Welsh Wop’s squatters. They did hit a post with a shit effort, but we had chances as Horlock and Carrick went close and then Deane forced a great save from Edwin Van Der Star who made Contact and pushed it round the post.

Second half saw us kick towards the vociferous away fans and it was more of the same, Deane missed the best chance in an effort which was miles removed from the composed finishing we have seen from him so far. Then came Edwin’s double save which he basically had to stop on sight. Another wicked cross from Ethers, with Dave looming Edwin produces a last gasp intervention only to then follow this up with a great spread (a real cheese and pineapple hedgehog of a save) to Carrick’s follow up.
Then Fulham eventually put together a period of sustained pressure, forcing a few corners, and I wondered if our chance had gone, Monica Legwinski missed the ball on virtually on the goal line and that was then that. Apart of course from Poll’s wanky late intervention. The Chelsea pump artist
So our reserves did the business and there is no reason why we can’t do them in the reply and no reason why next week we can’t do Norwich. It’s been a top cup run on the road so far and there is no way we want to end, we are having too much F-U-N. “Premier league your havin a laugh”

Ratings
Stevey Baby – Like a Raleigh grifter, reliable, sturdy, occasionally goes into sliver slip gear but handles impeccably and with his foam seat provided us with a comfortable ride. Just glad it didn’t rain, those seat stay wet for weeks. Also shit for wheelies. 8

Hayden – More strings to his bow than Legolas. I just hope that his versatility won’t be too much of a disadvantage to him in the long run. But with the Kid to return I’m happy to see him in that role. 7
Dailly – Clockspring head was on top of his game and more, the best I have seen him play. Deserves all the praise he gets although Barry Hayles is a Russian leisure centre of a player. Keep it up Christian. 9
Repka – He must have enjoyed this as everyone was taking the lead he has shown all season. Usual committed display but overshadowed by his partner. 7
Lips Baby – Dopey sod at times but he’s good in the air and the tackle and I do like the way he gives the fans a clap, not the clap as that wouldn’t be right but before after and sometimes at half time he recognises the supporters. At present adequate cover. 7

Carrick – Totally Awesome Dude. Malbranque vs. Carrick was a pleasure to watch. Indecently talented the both of them and yes ambassador you are really spoiling us. 9 MOM
Etherington – Run Forrest Run, like a hyperactive kid after a packet of Haribo’s. Seemingly indefatigable. (Good word). If we gain promotion next season he will be a revelation in the premiership. 8
Horlock – Played to the best of his abilities, so nothing great, but did a job, (no not one of those children) kept possession well and has shaved his head, such a bad boy. Monc’s without the stepovers or the titting up of female linesman. 7
Harewood – Contrary to Vinny - IMO he provides a great pacy outlet on the right hand side, not as effective as Ethers on the left but got in decent crosses first half and still gets into to goalscoring positions, another who loves the fans and another who drops off to sleep for a five minutes here and there, but I like him and has a couple of real tricks in the locker, Ron, 2 me to 2 you. 7

Connolly – looking low on confidence and relying on his workrate at the moment but better than his previous two matches. He will come back in to goals at this level…..I’m sure…….. You will won’t you…… Dave……Dave. 6
Deanoooooooo – Looking long on limbs and relying on his good looks at the moment. What a miss, but I love him, like a brother, cripp. He worked hard and provided a goal threat. And he is oh so big…7
Subs - we brought on our tangerine candy floss brigade…. Is there no depths Pardew will stoop to in the name of victory but Mellor was fully bitch titted up in fact I reckon he had back tits and Lomas didn’t touch the ball. So make what you will of that…if you will.
So were on tour again next week, Viva the revolution Vive Pardew!!