HEREFORD United might not be involved in the FA Cup fourth round later this month but one of their players had a pivotal role in deciding the make-up of the fixtures at FA headquarters on Monday afternoon.

Striker Steve Guinan linked up with the former Liverpool and Wales hero Ian Rush to make the draw for the next stage of the competition which takes place on January 24.

Guinan was awarded the accolade after being voted the player-of-the-round following his hat-trick at Harrow Borough in the competition's fourth qualifying round.

Although the Bulls' involvement in this season's FA Cup ended with a 2-0 first round defeat at Peterborough, a number of the club's old boys had rather more than walk-on parts in Saturday's third round.

Starring role went to midfielder Gavin Mahon who scored one of the Watford goals as big-spending Chelsea were held to a 2-2 draw at Vicarage Road.

Mahon was also at the centre of a penalty controversy when the referee waved away appeals after he appeared to be brought down in the Chelsea area.

John Williams, who played in the United side relegated from the Football League, came off the bench to add his name to Kidderminster Harriers' roll of honour. The 'Flying Postman' put the Aggborough side ahead in their home tie with Wolves who claimed a late equaliser through Alex Rae.

Goalkeeper Chris Mackenzie, full-back Matt Clarke and striker John Grant all figured for Telford United who provided the Conference's big moment of the third round. The Shropshire side defended doggedly to hold on to Lee Mills' second minute goal in a memorable 1-0 win over Crewe Alexandra.

Chris Hargreaves and his Northampton Town side also live to fight another day after battling to earn a 1-1 draw with higher-graded Rotherham United.

There was disappointment, however, for Yeovil's Gavin Williams who was only denied by a flying save by Jerzy Dudek when his 20-yarder seemed destined for the corner of the net.

Although Williams showed up well in the second half, Liverpool showed their Premiership class to pull away and earn a 2-0 win.

John Brough's Cheltenham side also tasted defeat at Fulham where the highly-rated Louis Saha claimed an injury-time winner in a 2-1 win.

Further on down the leagues, there was another old-boys reunion as Scott Voice (2), Jimmy Quiggin and Mark Taylor shared four of the goals as Dr Martens League Western Division leaders Redditch United routed Cinderford Town 5-2.