Despite their numerical disadvantage, Portsmouth rallied and continued to conjure opportunities - although City fashioned counter-attacks through Vassell and Benjani, the latter firing wide of James's right post from the edge of the box.

BBC: Man City 3-1 Portsmouth

Spurs made light of their numerical disadvantage and added a second midway through the second half with a classic counter-attack, Van der Vaart starting and finishing a fine move involving Gareth Bale's storming run and Aaron Lennon's neat pass.

BBC: Aston Villa 1-2 Tottenham

The Blues failed to make their numerical advantage count, but they delivered the telling blow five minutes from time with a superb counter-attack.

BBC: Bath 6-14 Blues