The Sports Matrix: Monday 20 February 2012

Liverpool continue on Wembley way with helping hand

Liverpool continued their fine cup form as they eased into the last eight after thrashing Brighton & Hove Albion 6-1 in the FA Cup at Anfield. Kenny Dalglish's side, who take on Cardiff at Wembley next weekend in the Carling Cup final, were helped by three own goals from the Championship team, two by former Chelsea trainee Liam Bridcutt. Martin Skrtel opened the scoring after five minutes, heading in Steven Gerrard's corner, only for Kazenga LuaLua to level with a fine 25-yard effort. Andy Carroll struck in between the three own goals, before Luis Suarez atoned for a penalty miss with the late sixth. Unbeaten in nine cup matches this season, Liverpool face Stoke at home in the sixth round for a place in April's semi-finals and another trip to Wembley. MORE

Stevenage take Spurs to replay

League One Stevenage held Tottenham Hotspur to a goalless draw at the Lamex Stadium, forcing the Premier League side to replay for a place in the last eight. Louis Saha came closest to a winner, his effort being disallowed for offside early in the second half. MORE

Ten-man Stoke ease past Crawley

Goals from Jonathan Walters and Peter Crouch helped Stoke into the sixth round for the third year in succession, Tony Pulis's side beating League Two Crawley 2-0. The visitors overcame the early dismissal of Rory Delap, sent off for a dangerous tackle. MORE

Chisora released after Haye brawl

Dereck Chisora was released without charge by Munich police following seven hours of questioning over his role in the brawl with David Haye on Saturday night. The British pair fought after Chisora's WBC loss to Vitali Klitschko in Munich. MORE

Hoy ices cake on a golden weekend

Sir Chris Hoy put the seal on Great Britain's superb showing in the World Cup test event at the Olympic Velodrome, powering to victory in the individual sprint for his second gold of the weekend. Team GB ended with four gold, one silver and two bronze medals. MORE

Saracens fall foul of Murphy's Law

A last-minute Geordan Murphy drop goal helped Leicester beat Saracens 20-19 to inflict a rare home defeat on Mark McCall's side. Both teams went over once as a late Alex Goode penalty looked to have secured the points for the hosts before Murphy struck. MORE

Bowlers play key role in series win

Kevin Pietersen and Alastair Cook took the plaudits after England clinched the one-day series against Pakistan but of equal effect has been the bowling displays. Most notable has been Steven Finn, a 22-year-old fast bowler at the top of his game. MORE

Opinion: Sam Wallace

Bravo, Andre Villas-Boas. Slaying the beast of player power at Chelsea was never going to be easy but much better to attempt to do so than just sit back and go with the flow, as other Chelsea managers have in the past. MORE