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FA Cup semi-finals: Games overshadowed

The FA Cup sixth round was marred by the harrowing plight suffered by Bolton Wanderers midfielder Fabrice Muamba against Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane.

But once the attention was able to return to the football following an improvement in Muamba’s condition, the FA Cup was able to deliver its magic again to set-up two mouth-watering semi-finals.

Six-times winners Chelsea were the first to book their place at Wembley as they made light work of Championship side Leicester City.

Roberto Di Matteo’s side were three goals to the good midway through the second half before an exchange of late goals saw it end 5-2 at Stamford Bridge.

Liverpool earned a second journey to the national stadium of the season when they edged past last season’s runners-up Stoke City at Anfield 2-1.

After a goalless draw between Everton and Sunderland at Goodison Park, both sides knew Liverpool were waiting for them at Wembley and that inspired the blue half of Merseyside to a 2-0 win in the replay at the Stadium of Light.

Fortunately, in the rearranged tie between Tottenham and Bolton, it was the football which was the overriding memory.

Spurs’ long affiliation with the famous competition continued as a 3-1 win earned a last-four spot for the second time in the last three years - and an 18th time in total - and it’s a cracker against Chelsea.