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Minor league Eastleigh suffered FA Cup heartbreak when they conceded a late equaliser to four-times winners Bolton Wanderers on a gluepot pitch at their snug Ten Acres ground on Saturday.
The Hampshire part-timers were on the verge of causing the day's big shock when they led through Dorian Dervite's own goal but debt-ridden Championship side Bolton levelled three minutes from time through Darren Pratley to set up a replay.
On a day of 25 ties, holders Arsenal, bidding to become the first club to win the trophy three times in succession since Blackburn Rovers in the 19th century, came from goal down to beat Premier League strugglers Sunderland 3-1.
Manchester City and Everton also made it through to the fourth round, City winning 3-0 at Norwich City in one of four all top-flight clashes and Everton ending the hopes of fourth- tier Dagenham and Redbridge with a 2-0 win at Goodison Park.
Villa's woes continue; settle for draw at lowly Wycombe
Aston Villa could find no respite from their Premier League woes as they suffered the embarrassment of being held to a 1-1 draw at fourth-tier Wycombe Wanderers.
Villa, seven points adrift at the foot of the league, became the second top-flight club to be grateful to avoid defeat by League Two opposition following Liverpool's 2-2 draw at ExeterCity on Friday.
The Cup's enduring capacity for romance and shocks was in evidence again at Wycombe's AdamsPark home after former European champions Villa had taken the lead through a cool strike from their captain Micah Richards in the 22nd minute.
Yet Wycombe, who had 46-year-old goalkeeper Barry Richardson on their substitutes' bench, earned an equaliser against a strong Villa side through Joe Jacobson's penalty, which looked to have been harshly awarded, five minutes after halftime.
The result, following Liverpool's relief at earning the draw which takes Exeter back to Anfield, was an appetising hors d'oeuvre for English football's traditionally exhilarating and surprise-laden third-round weekend.
Hartlepool, also representing the fourth tier, took the lead against former English champions Derby County but lost 2-1 while Portsmouth, FA Cup winners in 2008 but now floundering in League Two, earned a 2-2 draw at Championship club Ipswich Town.
Watford beat Premier League rivals Newcastle United 1-0, Crystal Palace overcame Southampton 2-1 and West Ham United edged past Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-0 at Upton Park.
Premier League West Bromwich Albion needed a last-minute equaliser to steal a 2-2 draw at home to Championship side Bristol City.
