Sunderland booked their place in the third round of the Worthington Cup with a 7-0 romp at Cambridge. Peter Reid had been under fire following the goal-shy Black Cats dismal start to their Barclaycard Premiership campaign.
However, they chalked up their first home win of the season when Aston Villa were beaten 1-0 at the Stadium of Light on Saturday - netting only their third goal in eight top flight games.
And although tonight's victory at the Abbey Stadium may have been against a side three divisions below them, it will have nevertheless provide a much-needed morale boost ahead of Sunday`s trip to Arsenal.
Goals from Claudio Reyna (21) and Gavin McCann (25) gave the visitors a two-goal cushion at the break. Julio Arca (54) made it 3-0 before Marcus Stewart (66 & 68) netted his first goals for the club, with fellow deadline day signing Tore Andre Flo (75 & 83) also adding a brace.
Middlesbrough boss Steve McClaren rung the changes for tonight's trip to Brentford, but it mattered little as his side romped to a 4-1 win. Boro, third in the Premiership, fielded almost an entire second-string XI at Griffin Park - but still had far too much class for their Second Division opponents.
Argentinian midfielder Carlos Marinelli (18) and Noel Whelan (20) set the visitors on their way, before another rapid brace from Mark Wilson (75) and Stewart Downing (76) completed the rout. Ibrahim Sonko grabbed a consolation for the Bees in the final minute from a corner.
Crewe striker Rodney Jack gave his team the lead at Manchester City, who took until the 69th minute to finally get back on level terms through Eyal Berkovic.
When Richard Walker put through his own net with just six minutes left, it looked as if City would be in the hat for round three. However, more drama was yet to unfold as Hulse (86) bundled the ball home in Crewe's next attack to level, only for Darren Huckerby (87) to win it for the home side moments later with a 20-yard screamer.
Wimbledon dumped First Division leaders Portsmouth out at Fratton Park. Vincent Pericard headed Pompey in front after six minutes, only for Joel McAnuff to pull the Dons level a minute later.
And the match was turned on its head when Mikele Leigertwood (16) nodded in Alex Tapp's corner. Neil Shipperley (59) headed home McAnuff's free-kick to make the game safe in the second half. Teddy Sheringham's first-half goal was enough to send Tottenham through against Cardiff at White Hart Lane.
The England striker neatly converted Mauricio Taricco's centre to give Spurs an advantage which they never looked like relinquishing against the Division Two leaders. Another Premiership side who had little trouble in seeing off lower league opposition were Everton, 3-0 winners at Wrexham.
The Division Three Welshman had put out Bradford in the last round, but could not produce another giantkilling as Kevin Campbell (25) and a late double from teenager substitute Wayne Rooney (83 & 89) secure a decent win for David Moyes' team. Sheffield United secured a comfortable 4-1 win over 10-man Wycombe at Bramall Lane.
On-loan Aston Villa striker Michael Boulding (14) put the Blades on their way and then turned provider for Michael Brown (48) just after the break.
After Wycombe keeper Martin Taylor had been sent off for deliberate handball Nick Montgomery (86) was on target before Brown grabbed his second three minutes from time.
Paul McCarthy headed in Wycombe's consolation goal in stoppage time.
Michael Jackson grabbed an injury-time winner to send Preston through at the expense of Macclesfield at Moss Rose.
Matthew Tipton put the home side in front on eight minutes before French midfielder Eric Skora (31) equalised - then Jackson headed home a corner in stoppage time.