LONDON, Jan 5: Minor league Chasetown, one of the lowest-ranked teams ever to reach the third round of the FA Cup, went out of the competition on Saturday when they lost 3-1 at home to Championship (second division) side Cardiff City.

In the opening match of the third round, the stage when Championship and Premier League teams join the fray, Chasetown were dreaming on an upset for a while after a Kevin McNaughton own goal put them ahead in the 17th minute.

However, Peter Whittingham equalised at the end of the first half and further goals from 17-year-old Aaron Ramsey and Paul Parry ensured safe passage for the Welsh side.

Southern League midland division Chasetown, six divisions below Cardiff, knocked out Port Vale in the last round and were playing their 10th game in the Cup.

Two other minor league sides were in action later, with Cambridge United playing at Wolverhampton Wanderers while Havant & Waterlooville were away at Swansea City.

Everton’s home match against Oldham Athletic (1500GMT) was delayed by 30 minutes after a fire in a fish and chip shop in a street alongside Goodison Park.

Holders Chelsea were also in action later on Saturday, at home to local rivals Queens Park Rangers.—Reuters