Mills' header sinks not-so-solid Crewe

Telford, sitting comfortably in the middle of the Nationwide Conference, added a 13th league scalp to their list of giantkilling exploits when Lee Mills' header from Fitzroy Simpson's cross in the second minute at Gresty Road set up the 1-0 derby defeat of First Division Crewe Alexandra. Alex missed chance after chance to equalise as Telford defended stoutly with goalkeeper Chris McKenzie in excellent form.

They are not the only Conference side in the fourth-round draw, Scarborough's Scott Kerr grabbed a late equaliser at Roots Hall, his first senior goal, to earn a 1-1 draw with Southend United and a replay in Yorkshire.

Luton Town, in the top half of the Second Division, gave First Division Bradford City a taste of what they can expect next season if the Bantams' relegation fight is unsuccessful. The Hatters' Adrian Forbes scored twice to take his season's total to 13 and, despite a late penalty by Andy Gray, Bradford went out 2-1 at home.

Tranmere Rovers were the first lower division side through to the fourth round draw when Simon Howarth scored six minutes into the second half as Brian Little's side led Premiership Bolton Wanderers in the midday kick-off at Prenton Park. Top-flight survival being crucial for Wanderers, Sam Allardyce had made nine changes to their line-up, and Haworth was in the right place as Micky Mellon's shot came back off a post to fire in.

Kevin Nolan curled in a Wanderers equaliser with 12 minutes left, but Rovers fully deserved their payday at the Reebok after the 1-1 draw. "I am disappointed considering the number of chances we had to have beaten Bolton," Little admitted, adding. "But we have an opportunity to look at the fourth-round draw and see where we might be."

Third Division Northampton Town gave First Division Rotherham United a fright. The Millers' Richie Barker scored first but the Cobblers earned a replay thanks to Martin Smith's goal just after the hour. It stayed 1-1.

The red card was waved freely at Field Mill where Third Division Mansfield Town did battle with Burnley. Ian Moore scored twice as the First Division side won 2-0, but Mansfield's Jamie Clarke and Luke Dimech were sent off between the goals and after them the Clarets' Richard Chaplow was dismissed.

Gary McSheffrey and Julian Joachim were on target as Coventry City of the First beat Second Division Peterborough 2-1 at Highfield Road.

In the seven all First Division ties, the Sheffield United striker Wayne Allison, a 63rd minute substitute, headed in Michael Tonge's centre as the Blades, who reached the semi-finals last season, won 1-0 at Cardiff City. Richard Naylor, Tommy Miller and Shefki Kuqi were on target as another promotion chasing side, Ipswich Town, beat Derby County 3-0, allowing the Rams to concentrate on their relegation battle.

In the Midlands derby at the City Ground, Marlon King scored his first goal for Nottingham Forest, a 54th-minute penalty, and it was enough to beat West Bromwich Albion 1-0, while West Ham United's Hayden Mullins and David Connolly scored in the 2-1 defeat of fellow play-off contenders Wigan Athletic at the JJB Stadium.

The tie with a feast of goals was at Deepdale where Preston North End and Reading drew 3-3, the visitors leading three times. There was a testy meeting at the New Den as Millwall beat Walsall 2-1. The Saddlers had goalscorer Jorge Leitao and goalkeeper James Walker sent off. And the bottom club, Wimbledon, drew 1-1 with Stoke City. Barnsley, going well in the Second Division, were held to a goalless draw at home by Scunthorpe United of the Third and Lee Trundle scored twice as Swansea City won their all-Third Division tie against Macclesfield 2-1.

Finally, in Nationwide Second Division league action, David Friio scored a hat-trick as leaders Plymouth Argyle thrashed Chesterfield 7-0 at Home Park. Chesterfield were 5-0 down after 18 minutes, so the final 72 minutes went rather well for the visitors.