Jermain Defoe struck twice to help West Ham United to a 3-0 win over Macclesfield Town today as the FA Cup third-round weekend continued to go short on upsets.
Although Macclesfield, lying fifth-bottom of the third division, enjoyed plenty of early possession, Defoe's goal on the stroke of half-time settled West Ham's nerves and the youngster struck again 18 minutes from time to settle the match.
Joe Cole added a third in the dying minutes after West Ham's day had been partially spoiled when veteran midfielder John Moncur was sent off following his second yellow card.
Macclesfield came closest to scoring in the first half when they had a goal controversially ruled out for off-side, but the visitors went ahead when Defoe swept in Sebastien Schemmel's right-wing cross from a narrow angle.
The Premiership team controlled possession after the interval and were rewarded when Defoe scored with a precise shot from the edge of the penalty area.
After Moncur's dismissal following a foul on Macclesfield's Chris Byrne, Cole curled a delightful shot into the corner of the net to ease West Ham's passage into the fourth round.
Later this afternoon, Derby County play Bristol Rovers, Cheltenham face Oldham Athletic, Cardiff City meet Leeds United.
Manchester United take on Aston Villa in the only all-Premiership tie of the round at 7 p.m. this evening
The fourth-round draw is due to take place after the Villa v United match.