The English Football Pyramid officially extends to Level 11. For the 2024-25 season my choices to follow are: Arsenal & Brentford, Plymouth, Exeter & Wrexham, Salford, Tamworth, Worthing, Tiverton, Exmouth, Buckland, Bovey Tracey, & Elmore. I am also following the women's pyramid which extends to Level 7. My ladies teams are Arsenal, Bristol City, Exeter, Worthing, Torquay, Feniton, Teignmouth & Shaldon Villa.
Weymouth turned the form table on its head as they won for the first time in 10 matches against high-flying Hartlepool.
Pools, who went into the game on the back of four straight wins, had the first chances of the game, with Luke Armstrong seeing a near-post effort saved before goalkeeper Ethan Ross tipped away the in-form striker's header.
Nicky Featherstone flicked a header wide and Ross denied Hartlepool forward Rhys Oates before Weymouth took the lead five minutes before the break when Ollie Harfield's free-kick was powered home by the head of Josh McQuoid.
Gavan Holohan's acrobatic effort hit the side-netting and Oates dragged a shot wide when well placed as Hartlepool went in search of an equaliser in the early stages of the second half.
Dave Challinor made a triple substitution on the hour, with Luke Molyneux, Luke Williams and Mason Bloomfield coming on and the latter was immediately involved, forcing a fine save from Ross.
Molyneux lasted just 11 minutes before he was sent off for a high foot and the home side comfortably held on for a valuable three points.
Exeter picked up their first win since December 12 with a victory over Stevenage at St James Park that gets their League Two promotion challenge back on track.
Archie Collins and Matt Jay gave the Grecians a 2-0 lead and, despite Elliott List pulling a goal back for the visitors, Ryan Bowman sealed the win late on.
Stevenage started well with Danny Newton seeing his shot saved by Jonny Maxted, but Exeter went in front after 10 minutes when Collins surged forward from midfield and lashed a fine shot that flew in off the underside of the crossbar from 20 yards.
It was a match of few opportunities, although substitute Matty Stevens fashioned an opening and shot goalwards for Stevenage, but he was denied by a superb one-handed save by Maxted.
Exeter responded with Jay curling one wide with his left foot before the diminutive striker made it 2-0 in the 79th minute with a brilliant half-volley from 20 yards, his 12th goal of a productive season.
Stevenage pulled a goal back two minutes later as Exeter failed to clear a corner and List side-footed into the corner of the net to give the away side hope.
However, Bowman made it 3-1 after 85 minutes when Nicky Law picked him out with a brilliant reverse pass that he lofted over the keeper and into the net.
The Blades failed to win in any of their opening 18 matches in all competitions in 2020-21 before knocking out League One side Bristol Rovers 3-2 in the third round of the cup and a 1-0 league victory over Newcastle.
Club record signing Rhian Brewster, still looking for his first Blades goal since a £23m move from Liverpool in October, had two early chances against the Pilgrims but headed wide from 12 yards out and then had a 25-yard strike saved by Cooper.
League One side Plymouth, who eliminated Championship Huddersfield Town in the third round, should have opened the scoring but, following a fine passing move, Camara shot wide when unmarked 12 yards out.
The hosts were then unlucky not to have a penalty as Ethan Ampadu's shot was blocked by the arms of Plymouth defender Kelland Watts, with the incident going to the video assistant referee.
Chris Basham's goal was his first for Sheffield United since scoring in a 1-0 away win over Leeds United in the Championship on 16 March, 2019
But the Blades went ahead in the 39th minute as Sharp's cross was powerfully met by a Basham header, before Sharp scored himself soon after the restart.
Camara set up a thrilling finish when he scored following substitute Byron Moore's pull-back. Plymouth's Ben Reeves had a chance to force extra time but shot just wide as the Premier League team gained the victory.
'We've done everyone proud' - what they said
Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder: "They had to chuck everything at us and we're disappointed with the manner of their goal. We had to have an attitude about us and we had that, it wasn't as comfortable as it should have been but we saw it out.
"It's the end bit again that has cost us. I've been involved in this cup many times as a player and a manager and these are not straightforward ties.
"They would have sniffed a result here but the attitude and play was good. We just didn't go from 2-0 to 3-0 which would have seen it out.
"Indecision in a poor area, we've got to cut that out. It doesn't matter what level you play at, you'll get punished."
Plymouth Argyle boss Ryan Lowe: "We ran them close. To come here and go toe-to-toe with them and showcase what we've got, we did that.
"We missed a great chance in the first half, he's [Camara] been scoring them of late, but you can't fault them. There's no shame losing 2-1 at Bramall Lane.
"Our main priority is the league. If there was another five minutes, who knows, but we've done everyone proud."
A strong Southampton side knocked holders Arsenal out of the FA Cup in the fourth round courtesy of a first-half own goal on Saturday.
The Saints were rewarded for their attacking intent in the opening period when Gabriel turned in Kyle Walker-Peters' cross in the 24th minute.
It was the first goal Arsenal had conceded in 508 minutes as they suffered a first loss in seven matches.
Southampton will face another Premier League side, Wolves, in the next round.
With their next opponents enduring a poor run in the league and having struggled in their 1-0 win at non-league Chorley on Friday, the 1976 winners will fancy their chances of progressing further at Molineux.
The Saints also went close through Che Adams, whose low, angled strike was saved brilliantly by Bernd Leno, and James Ward-Prowse, who saw his delivery from a corner come off the bar.
In the second half, substitute striker Shane Long fell under a challenge in the box, but penalty appeals were waved away by referee Peter Bankes.
Arsenal were without forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and midfielder Emile Smith Rowe, while another in-form player, Bukayo Saka, was only introduced in the second half.
Mikel Arteta's Gunners side were tepid as an attacking force during the first 45 minutes, but looked more of a threat after the break.
However, Eddie Nketiah's deflected shot in the 67th minute, which was superbly dealt with by home goalkeeper Fraser Forster, was their only effort of note.
'It was a good team performance' - reaction
Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl speaking to BT Sport: "We had in the first half more punch and more power.
"In the second half it's normal they have a lift. We must make the second goal - we made one or two chances. Shane Long should have got a penalty.
"We won the ball early on in the game, but our last decision-making was not always the best. In general, our work without the ball was good.
"It was a good team performance."
Arsenal manager Arteta speaking to BT Sport: "We're really sad to be out of the competition.
"We had issues in the first half and unforced errors as a result of the high press they do. In the second half, we had two or three big chances.
"It was an even game. In the first half, they won a lot of second balls. In the second half, we added more quality. We became more dominant and created chances, but it wasn't enough."
On whether Aubameyang, missing because of personal reasons, will be available for Tuesday's league match against Southampton: "I don't know. He needs to address that issue, we'll see how it evolves. We're here and we have to support him - he needs to take the time that is needed because that is a priority at the moment."
Saints end 119-year run - the stats
This was Southampton's first FA Cup win over Arsenal at the fifth attempt.
Southampton have eliminated the holders from the competition for the first time since beating Tottenham in a replay in 1902. The Saints had lost their previous seven FA Cup fixtures against the holders.
This is the third time in the past four seasons that Arsenal have failed to make it to the fifth round of the FA Cup.
This was Gunners' boss Arteta's first defeat in the FA Cup as a player or manager in 15 games (W13 D1), since featuring in Arsenal's 1-0 loss to Blackburn in February 2013.
Saman Ghoddos also scored in Brentford's last game - an FA Cup victory over Middlesbrough
Brentford climbed to third in the Championship as Saman Ghoddos' goal gave them victory over Luton and extended their unbeaten league run to 16 games.
The Iranian headed home Ivan Toney's whipped cross after Luton keeper Simon Sluga had earlier denied Sergi Canos with a magnificent flying save when the forward tried his luck from 25 yards.
The Bees were playing their first league game of 2021 because of a Covid-19 outbreak, but dominated the opening half in which Luke Berry's glancing header, held by David Raya, was Luton's only effort on target.
The second half saw the Hatters willing to commit more men forward, but substitute Jordan Clark fired across the face of goal from an angle as they failed to conjure an equaliser.
However, the end of the game was marred by two red cards as Hatters defender Tom Lockyer and Toney were sent off in added time following an off-the-ball incident.
Brentford's win lifted them above Watford, Reading and Bournemouth and they are just two points behind second-placed Swansea, while the visitors slipped a place to 13th.
Luton arrived at the Brentford Community Stadium having lost their previous seven league games in London, while the home side had boss Thomas Frank back on the sidelines after having to isolate with coronavirus.
Brentford boss Thomas Franks hopes his side can go one better after losing in the play-off final last season
The visitors, though, were roused by Nathan Jones' words at the interval and David Raya saved well from James Collins on the hour, although the striker was flagged for offside.
After Clark's miss, Raya kept out an audacious backheel by Ryan Tunnicliffe before Luton forward Harry Cornick missed his kick from eight yards as James Bree crossed low into the box.
The altercation between Lockyer, who received a straight red card, and Toney, a second yellow, provided a sour note to end the game but another victory means Brentford have not lost in the league since 24 October.
The Bees now host Leicester City in the FA Cup fourth round on Sunday, while Luton visit Chelsea.
Brentford head coach Thomas Frank told BBC Radio London:
"We were extremely good in the first 35 minutes as we pressed aggressively and created chances.
"We got too passive in the last 10 minutes of the half and that carried on into the second half. Maybe that is because of the break, but I need to give a lot of credit to Luton.
"They caused us a lot of problems. But sometimes in this league you need to dig deep to get wins."
Luton boss Nathan Jones:
"In the first half, we allowed Brentford to do what Brentford do well. I'm disappointed with that. Second half, I thought we were excellent, got the ball into great areas and had enough chances to have got something from the game.
"There are a lot of positives especially as the last time we came here, we lost 7-0 and earlier in the season they comprehensively beat us (3-0 at home).
"Barring a little bit of quality in the final third, we would have got something from the game and I can't ask any more from them."
(On Tom Lockyer sending off) " I'm disappointed my player got involved with a minute to go after an earlier incident. We will appeal it because he will miss three game and he shouldn't."
Plymouth enjoyed a first away win in League One this season by stunning Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.
Despite plenty of chances for the Black Cats, Argyle held the lead courtesy of Adam Lewis' 11th-minute opener. Aiden O'Brien equalised in the 51st minute but Joe Edwards grabbed the winner five minutes later.
The game only went ahead after a long pitch inspection as Storm Christoph threatened to make Plymouth's long trip north a wasted journey.
When the game did begin Lewis, on his full debut, was soon on hand in the six-yard box to turn in Edwards' low centre after some lovely passes in the final third to open up the home side.
That goal was all that separated the two teams in the first half, despite Aiden McGeady going close a couple of times for the hosts.
Sunderland were full of intent after the restart and within six minutes O'Brien glanced Callum McFadzean's cross beyond Michael Cooper to level.
It took Plymouth less than five minutes to reclaim the lead when Edwards was left in far too much space in the area to curl inside the far post.
Sunderland pushed without really testing Cooper again and Plymouth held on to prevent the Black Cats from ending a wait for a home league win stretching back to 3 November.
Ten-man Harrogate prevented Exeter from scoring for the first time in 15 League Two outings to hold out for a 0-0 draw.
Warren Burrell was sent off after 73 minutes for the Sulphurites but the visitors, currently enduring their worst run of the season having not won in five games in all competitions, only tested home goalkeeper James Belshaw once all evening.
Exeter had the better of the first-half opportunities with striker Ryan Bowman intercepting a poor back pass by Jake Lawlor, but prodding the ball wide after Belshaw had charged off his line.
Josh Key also failed to capitalise on sloppy Harrogate defending by Jay Williams and Connor Hall when he could only drag a chance off target from 10 yards after being presented with a free shot on goal.
After the break, the home side carried the greater attacking threat with striker Aaron Martin denied his first goal in 11 outings in all competitions when Grecians goalkeeper Jonny Maxted displayed sharp reflexes to keep out his low eight-yard drive.
That momentum was lost a little when Burrell received his second yellow card after halting Exeter substitute Jack Sparkes in his tracks twice in the space of six minutes, but Simon Weaver's men also came under little threat at the other end.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's two goals took his tally to five in the Premier League this season
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored twice as Arsenal beat Newcastle to move into the top 10 of the Premier League and increase the pressure on Magpies boss Steve Bruce.
Aubameyang, who had earlier hit the post from a tight angle in the first half, opened the scoring in the 50th minute when he fired past Newcastle goalkeeper Karl Darlow.
Arsenal doubled their lead as Emile Smith Rowe's pullback found Bukayo Saka and the England international side-footed the ball into the net.
Aubameyang, 31, got his second and the Gunners' third after Cedric Soares, in his first league start of the season, got to the byline and set up the striker.
The Gabon international scored 29 goals in all competitions last season, including 22 in the Premier League, but he had previously struggled for goals in 2020-21.
This double took his league total to five for the campaign and boss Mikel Arteta was pleased to see Aubameyang return to form.
"He needed that for his confidence and the team needs that to be successful," said the Gunners manager.
"We were missing his goals, we all know that, so to have them back is great for the team."
Miguel Almiron had Newcastle's best chance but shot over from the edge of the penalty area when it was goalless.
The victory takes Arsenal above Aston Villa into 10th, with the Gunners seven points adrift of fourth-placed Liverpool in the last Champions League qualifying spot.
Newcastle are 15th, seven points clear of 18th-placed Fulham, although the London side have a game in hand.
For Bruce, who faced calls for his resignation after last week's 1-0 loss to bottom-of-the-table Sheffield United, his side have now not won in nine matches in all competitions.
Arsenal are in danger of having their worst Premier League season since 1994-95 when they finished 12th - the last time they failed to qualify for European football.
After Mikel Arteta replaced Unai Emery in December 2019, the Gunners finished eighth last season, although they did win the FA Cup in August.
Despite 2020-21 having been a tough campaign for them so far, there have been recent signs of revival and this win extends their unbeaten run to six matches.
They dominated possession at Emirates Stadium and should have taken a 14th-minute lead. Smith Rowe did well to release Saka and his low cross found Aubameyang, but, off balance and from a tight angle, he could only hit the post with the goal unguarded.
Aubameyang twice more failed to hit the target when well placed and David Luiz should have done better with a free header.
But it only took five minutes of the second half to make a breakthrough as Thomas Partey's pass forward let Aubameyang run at the Newcastle defence from the halfway line and he blasted in only his second league goal in 10 games.
It became 2-0 10 minutes later when Smith Rowe did well down the left flank and his pass helped Saka score for the third time in six matches.
Soares then made a fine run down the opposite wing and his pullback was steered into the net by Aubameyang, whose return to goalscoring form is a massive boost for the Gunners.
Attacking line-up does not change Newcastle's fortunes
Before the game, Bruce defended the job he was doing with the Magpies and said he would not quit and would "do my utmost to make this better".
Bruce, whose arrival followed the departure of fan-favourite Rafael Benitez in 2019, added that criticism of him "had been personal from day one", and that "certain people think I shouldn't have been in the job to start with".
Newcastle's confidence has ebbed away - Bruce
Newcastle became the first side to lose a Premier League game this season against bottom-of-the-table Sheffield United, with a 1-0 defeat on 12 January and Bruce later admitted he had picked the wrong team.
But against Arsenal, Bruce made eight changes, with attacking players Joelinton, Almiron, Andy Carroll and Callum Wilson all starting as he pushed to get his side's first win since a 2-1 victory over West Brom on 12 December.
However, the Magpies still struggled to create opportunities as Joelinton and Wilson had very quiet games. Almiron shot over in the first half and Carroll fired an effort wide in the second, but they never looked like producing a fightback after the hosts took the lead.
In fact, only a number of fine saves from Darlow, who twice denied Alexandre Lacazette and kept out a deflected Aubameyang cross, saved Newcastle from a wider margin of defeat on another worrying day for Magpies' fans.
Seven games without a league win for Newcastle - the stats
Arsenal have kept five consecutive clean sheets in all competitions for the first time since February 2009 (six in total in that run).
Newcastle are without a win in seven Premier League games (drew two, lost five), their longest run without a victory in the competition since October 2018 (10).
There were just nine days between this win and Arsenal's 2-0 FA Cup victory against Newcastle at the Emirates on January 9th, the shortest gap for the Gunners between home wins against the same opponent since January 2008, when they beat Newcastle twice at the Emirates in the space of three days.
Newcastle made eight changes to their starting XI in the Premier League for the first time ever and are the first side to make 8+ changes in the competition since Manchester City also made eight against Burnley in June 2020.
Arsenal's Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang made his 400th appearance in European League football (Arsenal 102, Borussia Dortmund 144, St Etienne 87, Monaco 19, Lille 14 and Dijon 34).
Aubameyang has either scored (five) or assisted (two) in six of his seven games against Newcastle in all competitions, finding the net in each of his last four against the Magpies.
Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey registered his first league assist in 48 appearances, since April 2019, for Atletico Madrid against Valencia in La Liga.
Emile Smith Rowe has either scored (two) or assisted (five) in seven of his 10 appearances for Arsenal in all competitions, whilst the Englishman has provided two more assists than any other player for the Gunners this campaign (five).
Only Nicolas Anelka (30), Cesc Fabregas (28) and Theo Walcott (12) have been involved in more Premier League goals for Arsenal as a teenager than Bukayo Saka (11 - five goals, six assists).
'Trying to do the best I possible can' - what they said
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta speaking to BBC Sport: "Really happy overall. Really positive performance, collective and individually we looked really solid and convincing from the first whistle.
"It took us a little bit longer than I expected to score the first goal but I really like the chemistry, cohesion and rhythm the team played with.
"I asked them to attack better, have more options in certain areas but without losing the structure that is needed to control Newcastle's good players up front. When we did it we were efficient and took our chances."
On his young players, he added: "They are doing really well because they have the senior ones pushing them, coaching them, helping them all the time. I really like the chemistry."
Newcastle manager Steve Bruce speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "We gave as good as we got and got into ourselves some decent opportunities but that little bit of confidence has ebbed away - that happens when you are on a run like we are. The only way it comes back is with a couple of victories.
"We always knew we entering a really difficult run of games. To play Arsenal, Leicester, Liverpool and Manchester City we always knew it was going to be difficult against these top teams.
"You have seen their [the players] approach. We are disappointed because we have been caught trying to get forward. Two passes and they are in on our goal.
"That is something we have to learn from and understand. The reason we have been defending deep was to avoid situations like that. We have to get the balance right and we will keep working on it."
On his own position, he added: "I am trying to do the best I possibly can as always but you will have to ask others about that."
What's next?
Arsenal are in action away from home on Saturday at 12:15 GMT in the fourth round of the FA Cup, although they do not yet know who their opponents will be.
They face the winners of the third-round tie between Southampton and League One side Shrewsbury, who play their rearranged match on Tuesday. It could mean back-to-back away games against the Saints as they play at St Mary's Stadium in the Premier League on Tuesday, 26 January (20:15 GMT).
Newcastle have an away game in the Premier League against Aston Villa on 23 January (20:00 GMT), before entertaining Leeds at home three days later (18:00 GMT).
