Five things we learned from the weekend's football featuring FA Cup

1 Jonathan Woodgate's Middlesbrough continue resurgence with Spurs draw

Jose Mourinho named a strong line-up for Tottenham's FA Cup trip to Middlesbrough and he was right to respect the fixture as Spurs were held to a 1-1 draw by their Sky Bet Championship hosts.

Jonathan Woodgate's Boro had some nervy moments at the back, as you would expect against talents such as Alli, Son, Eriksen, Moura, Lo Celso and Lamela.

In general, though, they defended stoutly despite the absence of key centre-back Daniel Ayala and caused Tottenham problems on the break.

After a sticky start, Woodgate's men have won four in a row in the league, including an away victory at highflying West Brom, and the loan signings of Manchester City pair Patrick Roberts and Lukas Nmecha should pep up their attack.

2 Third-round exit could help Brighton fly high in Premier League

Brighton reached the FA Cup semi-finals last season but finished 17th in the Premier League and their fans should not be too disappointed by a third-round defeat to Sheffield Wednesday.

Graham Potter has done an impressive job on the south coast but the Seagulls are only four points above the relegation zone so another cup run may not have been welcome this term.

They have already played all of the traditional 'big six' away from home and are a match for anyone at the Amex Stadium so odds of 9-2 about a top-half finish look tempting, especially compared with the 13-5 that rivals Crystal Palace make the top ten.

3 Millwall's home form bodes well for league and cup progress

Newport County have caused plenty of upsets in the FA Cup recently but they were brushed aside 3-0 by a Millwall side who are formidable on their own patch.

The Lions saw off Luton and in-form Brentford in their last two home games in the Championship, having beaten title favourites Leeds and promotion contenders Preston and Sheffield Wednesday at the Den earlier in the season.

A home draw in the FA Cup is always a bonus but it could be even more of an advantage for Millwall, who beat Everton before losing on penalties to Brighton in last season's home cup ties.

4 FA Cup underdogs could enjoy success at second time of asking

Tranmere stole the show on Saturday, coming from 3-0 down to earn a replay against Premier League Watford and they should be further heartened by Hornets boss Nigel Pearson's post-match quotes.

"It was never my intention to do anything other than protect the squad," said Pearson, whose fringe players will surely be given another opportunity in the replay at Prenton Park.

League One Blackpool missed a late penalty in a 2-2 draw at Championship Reading but will fancy their chances in the replay while Shrewsbury and Carlisle could also host distracted opponents in Bristol City and Cardiff.

And injury-ravaged Newcastle should not be regarded as bankers for their rematch with Rochdale, who earned a deserved draw at Spotland on Saturday.

5 Sunderland closing in on top-six spot in congested Sky Bet League One table

Wycombe are three points clear at the top of Sky Bet League One yet such is the scrum of teams in the chasing pack that Wanderers can be backed at 8-15 simply to finish in the top six.

It is a fascinating market given that just 12 points separate Rotherham in second and Accrington in 17th and Saturday's only game in the division saw Sunderland move to within a point of the top six with a 3-1 home win over Lincoln.

The Black Cats have had a dreadful campaign but are now unbeaten in five games and punters expecting them to start punching their weight can still get 13-8 that they make the playoffs or better.

Portsmouth are another big gun making progress after a poor start and they are also of interest 11-10 to make the top six in an intriguing betting heat.

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