Everton and Nottingham Forest put aside their off-field difficulties by winning FA Cup replays to advance to the fourth round on Wednesday.
They were playing two days after being charged by the Premier League with breaches of English soccer’s financial rules, which could potentially lead to points deductions for two clubs who are just above the relegation zone.
A deep run in the cup would offer a welcome distraction and Everton, whose last major trophy came when winning the famous competition in 1995, eked out a 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace thanks to Andre Gomes’ curling free kick from 25 meters at Goodison Park.
That set up a meeting with another top-flight rival, Luton, in the last 32 on Jan. 27.