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[Grounhopper Mark.]

http://uk.eurosport....article/226865/

 

Having undergone something of an identity crisis, and recently withstood a ferocious Mancunia-fuelled assault from the Carling Cup, the FA Cup has found its calling at last.

 

The oldest knockout cup competition in the world now exists purely to provide financial succour to stricken teams who came unstuck chasing the dream of Premier League glory.

 

It is football's answer to those reprehensible websites offering you a cash advance while charging 2356% interest - a short, sharp injection of funds with untold consequences (although, in fairness, a bit of fixture congestion is worse than a £200 loan turning into five grand).

 

Crystal Palace, who went into administration this week, beat Wolves at Selhurst Park to set up a tie with Aston Villa that should earn them close to half a million pounds. And Notts County, who still face the threat of a winding-up petition, secured an impressive 2-0 win at Premier League Wigan.

 

County received an even split of the gate receipts from last night's game. Sadly for them, a pathetic crowd of just 5,519 - and rock-bottom ticket prices - meant Sven-Goran Eriksson took around £150 back to the East Midlands with him. He could have had a more lucrative night at the bingo.

 

At least Fulham take their cups seriously, so County should get a decent payday when they visit Craven Cottage next weekend.

 

Meanwhile, Portsmouth had to sell two players to ensure the rest of their squad got paid this month. They have no such option next month, and will surely be playing for a replay in their fifth-round derby against Southampton - either that or they will have to go on wonga.com to get the short-term readies.

 

The Saints, having gone into administration last term, are now bankrolled by a Swiss billionaire. Just to rub their local rivals' noses in it, this week they announced they will not bother with a sponsor on their centenary shirt, for purely aesthetic reasons.