Harps not glad be at Glanford Park

Following an afternoon sat on the bench at the Hawthorns watching his deputy Tim Krul get beaten four times, Steve Harper was belatedly involved in FA Cup action this afternoon - as a Radio 5 Live commentator. His trip to Glanford Park to see Man City defeat hosts Scunthorpe brought back unhappy memories of October's loss to the Iron, as he recalled how claustrophobic the ground is and how close the home fans behind the goal are to the pitch.

That match was our last defeat - until yesterday, that is. Harper wouldn't be drawn into saying much about referee James Linnington's performance - but given that even the normally placid and cool Chris Hughton expressed perplexity at some of the decisions, he didn't need to. Paul's match report to follow tomorrow.

(Incidentally, Roberto Mancini's team selection deprived Harps of the opportunity to talk about Shay Given, the man who for so many years denied him a place in the first team.)