The TannerReport: Fulham 2 Aston Villa 1 ( FA CUP)

There is no doubt that the FA Cup has lost much of its lustre but – aside from its traditions as the oldest football competition – it gives a boost to clubs not competing for honours in the final phase of the season.

Clubs like Aston Villa who are in the relegation zone and have a Caribou Cup semi-final next week, field a replacement side.  Fulham – aside from resting Alex Mitrovic, Abou Kamara and Tom Cairney – played a strong side and Harry Arter with a spectacular winner benefited from game time.

So Fulham are in the draw and gained in confidence with no injuries sustained for the Championship campaign.

I spoke to Ivan after the game.

He said Brighton gave an awful performance to lose, as well to a Championship side, Sheffield Wednesday.

I would have thought the Seagulls could risk fielding a stronger team but their priority is to survive in the Premiership not emulate last season when they flirted with relegation but reached the semi-final of the Cup.

Graham Potter would be mindful that reaching the semi-final and giving the fans a day out at Wembley (again playing matches other than the Final has devalued the FA Cup) cost Chris Hughton his job.