However, there were a handful of positives with Patrick Kisnorbo returning to first team action and Dylan McGowan showing signs he can fill the void left by his departing brother, Ryan. 

In the English FA Cup, Adam Federici played a full game in goal as Reading advanced through to the fourth round with a 3-1 win over third-tier Crawley Town. Federici was under siege in the first half, as he was beaten by a 20-yard bullet by Nicky Adams, but he recovered well making a series of fine saves, the pick being a full length diving save to deny Adams’ goal-bound header.

Brad Jones played a full game as Liverpool progressed with a 2-1 win over non-league Mansfield Town. Despite the gulf in class, Liverpool and Jones were made to work for the result with the Australian ‘keeper called upon regularly in the second half, with his only blemish on the scoresheet coming in the 79th minute as Matt Green swept home the ball from close range.

Mark Schwarzer was again absent with a neck injury as Fulham drew 1-1 with Championship side Blackpool.

Patrick Kisnorbo made his debut for Ipswich Town following his loan move midweek, playing 90 minutes as the Tractor Boys went down 2-1 to Aston Villa, who were without Brett Holman and Chris Herd. Ipswich manager Mick McCarthy was pleased with what he saw of Kisnorbo, later saying, “It was Patrick’s first game of that intensity for a while and he did well.”

Mile Jedinak played the full 90 minutes as Crystal Palace earned a replay with Premier League club Stoke City, following a 0-0 draw.

Rhys Williams played the full 90 minutes as Middlesbrough progressed with a 4-1 win over non-league Hastings. Scott McDonald was an unused substitute in the clash.

Shane Lowry played the full 90 minutes as Millwall beat Preston North End 1-0. Lowry went close to opening the scoring early in the first half as his bullet strike from the edge of the area following a clearance forced a fine save from Preston ‘keeper Steve Simonsen. Shane Cansdell-Sherriff started but was taken off at half time as Preston looked for more attacking options in the second half. Bailey Wright was absent from the Preston match-day squad.

Neil Kilkenny was absent from the match-day squad as Bristol City lost 2-0 to Blackburn Rovers. Former North Queensland Fury ‘keeper Seb Usai was absent from the Blackburn squad.

Dean Bouzanis played a full game in goal as Oldham Athletic pulled off a shock, beating Championship side Nottingham Forest 3-2. James Wesolowski missed the game through suspension, while Alex Cisak was an unused substitute.

Curtis Good played the full 90 minutes as Bradford City were eliminated following a 2-0 loss to Barnet. James Meredith was absent from the match-day squad.

Elsewhere, Jamie Young played a full game in goal as Aldershot Town progressed with a 3-1 win over Rotherham.

In the English League One, Bradden Inman played the final 15 minutes as Crewe Alexandra lost 2-1 to Stevenage. Inman, who this week extended his loan deal into February, started from the bench in a bid to freshen him up following the busy Christmas schedule.

In the Scottish Premier League on Thursday, Dylan McGowan underlined his versatility with a full shift in the centre of defence as Hearts played out a 0-0 draw with fierce rivals Hibernian. McGowan was solid throughout the 90 minutes and made a goal-line clearance late in the contest as ‘keeper Jamie McDonald spilled a shot from close range and the ball looked set to cross the line only for McGowan to intervene. Brother Ryan McGowan was absent from the match-day squad as he looks set to finalise a proposed move to China.

In the Scottish Second Division, Marc Warren played the full 90 minutes as Airdrie United lost 2-0 to Raith Rovers, a result which leaves Airdrie just three points clear of the relegation zone.

In the Italian Serie A, James Troisi was an unused substitute as Atalanta lost 1-0 to Chievo.

In the Greek Super League, Giannis Simosis played the final 20 minutes as Kerkyra lost 2-0 to Atromitos.

In the Portuguese Primeira Liga, Caleb Patterson-Sewell played a full game in goal as Vitoria Setubal lost 4-2 to Academica Coimbra. Vitoria's inability to deal with set pieces cost them dearly, as three of the four goals came from free-kicks and corners.

In the UAE Emirates Cup, Nick Carle played 90 minutes as Baniyas beat Al Dhafra 4-2, while Lucas Neill played the full 90 minutes as Al Wasl lost 1-0 to Ittihad Kalba.

Elsewhere, Richard Porta was absent from the match-day squad as Dubai drew 1-1 with Al Shaab.