Bad news for Blyth: Allardyce rarely suffers FA Cup shocks

Blyth Spartans/Blackburn, 8pm, Setanta S 1, Best Odds, Free Bets

Blyth Spartans beat League Two sides Shrewsbury and Bournemouth to earn their clash with Premier League opposition but despite their giantkilling past, the omens aren’t brilliant for the Blue Square North side.

Sam Allardyce has only been knocked out of the FA Cup once in nine seasons by lower league opposition and that was a loss against Tranmere in 2003-04 with Bolton which required a replay and then extra time. It is also worth noting that in that season Bolton had already reached the last four of the Carling Cup so were prioritising that.

Blackburn however were upset last season when they lost 4-1 at home to Coventry in the third round, however this was the only time in the last twelve seasons that they have suffered a shock exit to a lower league opponent. In three of the last four years they have been eliminated by eventual finalists, on two of those occasions having reached the final four themselves.

Despite goal difference being the only reason Blackburn aren’t rock bottom of the top-flight, they are unbeaten in their three games to date under Allardyce, however if you anticipate a shock, Spartans are 16/1 on Betfair while the draw is 6/1 with Boylesports.

Posted: January 5th, 2009 by Michael Lintorn |