FA Cup crowds best in 30 years
The Football Association have responded to accusations that the FA Cup's popularity has taken a nosedive by reporting the biggest average attendance on third-round weekend since 1980.
Remarkably, 28 ties attracted 514,172 supporters, an average of 18,363, compared with 19,160 30 years ago.
Although the figure is improved somewhat because four games were postponed, including matches at Accrington, Notts County and Brentford which would have dragged the average gate down, the FA still believe it is testament to the enduring appeal of the competition.