AT 4pm on Saturday, it seemed like the same old story.

Once again, Wycombe Wanderers had managed to get into the third round and then, nothing. In their 114 year history, the Blues had failed to score a goal in the third round of the FA Cup, let alone get into the fourth round.

And the Wycombe curse seemed to have struck again this year.

Their opponents Grimsby are a league above Wycombe but have already lost nine league matches away from home this season, so Wycombe must have fancied their chances of going into fourth round draw.

But Grimsby took the lead and went in one up at half time.

It looked like just the latest chapter in the depressing history of Wycombe's FA Cup adventures. They first took part in 1896 and only reached the first round proper once in their first 60 years. They were of course a non-league side throughout this time, as they were when they made their first appearance in the third round, against Middlesbrough in 1975 in what is probably their best performance in the cup.

12,000 turned up at Loakes Park to see a spirited Wycombe side draw 0-0 with the first division club, managed by Jack Charlton. The replay was also heading for a 0-0 draw when, in the last minute, Armstrong scored for 'Boro.

Since then, Wycombe's fortunes have got worse. They lost to York, 0-2, in 1986. They lost to Norwich, 0-2, in 1994 and in 1995 they lost to West Ham, you've guessed it, 0-2. Admirable consistency, but not the end result Wycombe fans want.

Their last third round defeat was to Bradford, in 1997, who were on their way to earning promotion to the Premiership.

Clearly, Wycombe are cursed. Every time they get to the third round, it's a tricky tie.

"We've always been drawn against a higher division team," said fan Keith Blagbrough, of the official supporters' club.

Not even the mercurial skills of Martin O'Neill and John Gregory have managed to get the Blues into the fourth round. Could manager Lawrie Sanchez do what other managers have failed to?

And then, in the 73rd minute, a minor miracle. the curse was lifted. Only partially, but enough. Matt Brady passed to defender Paul McCarthy and he smashed the ball into the net.

The fans waited for a linesman's flag for offside. Or a referee's whistle for a free kick. But nothing. Wycombe had scored in the third round. Finally.

But a full miracle wasn't on the cards despite Wycombe's best efforts.

They piled on the pressure but had to be satisfied with a replay to be held next Tuesday.

"We probably should have won it," said Gordon Richards, who was on the Wycombe board for 15 years, before retiring last year and being made an honorary life member.

Mr Richards believes luck plays a part in games and is hoping Wycombe's fortunes change in the replay.

"I think we can win the replay," he said. "I would put money on the next game."

Lawrie Sanchez said: "We've now scored our first goal in the third round. Now we've got to score another one at least and make sure we win the replay."

Wycombe's fortunes could be changing. They scored two goals in an away game for only the second time this season in their last match against Northampton.

Now they need to score again in the replay to play Wolves in the fourth round.

"You've got to set yourself targets and that should be the target for Wycombe," said Mr Blagbrough.

In 1988, Wimbledon did the impossible by beating Liverpool, thanks to a goal by Sanchez.

Hopefully, 13 years later, he can inspire Wanderers to finally beat their FA Cup blues.