Skiddle's Open Goal: A Weekly Roundup of Football news and events

It was a weekend of shocks as the FA Cup third round went ahead. It was a weekend that summarised why the competition is so well-loved within the English game, especially for the lower league teams. With the giants potentially being knocked out, the smaller teams always raise their games to make life as difficult as possible.

Newcastle who have only won one game all season were embarrassed at home by Cambridge United who won 1-o thanks to a goal from Joe Ironside. It was absolutely embarrassing for the Premier League side and compounded more misery on them as they're having a terrible season despite now being the richest club in the world. This was not the morale blow they needed but all credit to Cambridge on a great result.

The lowest-ranked team left in the competition, Kidderminster Harriers came from behind to beat Championship side Reading, 79 places above them in the football pyramid. A late second-half double gave them a dramatic victory. A Premier League scalp was claimed by Nottingham Forest who beat a strong Arsenal side 1-0 with a late goal from substitute Lewis Grabban, with the Gunners ending up being embarrassed after a flat performance.

There was a thriller between Barnsley and Barrow as the home side managed to win 5-4 thanks to added time. The quality of the goals was outstanding with an Ollie Banks free-kick being the pick of the bunch for Barrow who fought bravely despite playing most of the game with ten men. This was a weekend that truly exemplified the magic of the FA Cup, long may it continue!

Here are some footy events on Skiddle you may be interested in...

Witton Albion vs Matlock Town

When: Saturday 15th January

Where: Witton Albion FC, Northwich

Witton Albion will be hosting Matlock Town in this Northern Premier League tie. With the home side towards the bottom of the table, they'll be desperate for points but Matlock Town are the league leaders and a victory is just as important for them. No quarter will be given in this tie.

Get down for what may be a tight encounter or Matlock will be hoping that they can overpower their opponents.

Find tickets for Witton Albion vs Matlock Town here.

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Hanley Town vs Tividale

When: Saturday 29th January

Where: Hanley Town Football Club, Stoke On Trent

Hanley Town are taking on Tividale in this match and you can come down for under a tenner. There's no better excuse to get yourself to a match when you can pay a smaller price for just as much entertainment as the bigger leagues. Sure the football isn't as pretty but there's guaranteed to be a lot of action.

Find tickets for Hanley Town vs Tividale here.

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COLFC vs Runcorn Linnets

When: Saturday 15th January

Where: Vauxhall Motors FC, Ellesmere Port

The purple colours of City of Liverpool FC will be taking on Runcorn Linnets in this fixture. The away side are in great form having won four of their last five games which has put them in 4th in the table. The home side are sitting in the middle of the table but have games in hand on some of the teams above.

With both teams looking to climb for positions, it may be a close match.

Find tickets for COLFC vs Runcorn Linnets here.

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 Litherland REMYCA vs Macclesfield FC 

When: Friday 14th January

Where: Berry Street Garage Stadium, Bootle

Litherland REMYCA may have a mountain to climb when league leaders Macclesfield FC come to visit. With the home side being at the bottom of the table, this is probably their biggest ask of the season but stranger things have happened and they may just muster a result.

Get yourself down to the game to see how it unfolds.

Find tickets for Litherland REMYCA vs Macclesfield FC here.

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 Manchester United vs Norwich Hospitality

When: Saturday 16th April

Where: Hotel Football, Old Trafford, Manchester

Manchester United will be taking on lowly Norwich in this fixture. The side who at the time of writing are at the bottom of the table will need all the points they can get at this stage of the season. They manage to push United close at their hoke ground but the odds are firmly stacked against them at Old Trafford.

You can watch this game from the comfort of hospitality where you'll be treated to food and drink.

Find tickets for Manchester United vs Norwich Hospitality here.

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For more exciting sporting events you can find them on our Thing's To Do page. If you're looking for events in your local area head to our What's On guide.