THE FA Cup third-round matches involving Blyth Spartans and Gateshead have been controversially overlooked for live television coverage.

Blyth, who are the lowest-ranked side left in the competition, host Birmingham City, while Gateshead, of the Vanarama Conference, travel to top-flight West Brom.

Both games epitomise the drama of FA Cup third-round day, but neither has been selected for live transmission.

Instead, the BBC have opted to cover the all-Premier League game between Arsenal and Hull City as one of their two selections, with BT Sport opting for Everton vs West Ham United as one of their three games.

The decision not to select Blyth, who captivated the nation as their second-round win over Hartlepool United was screened live on BBC Two, has deprived the Evo-Stick Northern Premier League club of £144,000 in much-needed revenue.

Televised FA Cup third-round games: Dover Athletic vs Crystal Palace (Sunday January 4, 1pm, BT Sport), Accrington Stanley or Yeovil vs Manchester United (Sunday, January 4, 3.30pm, BT Sport), Arsenal vs Hull City (Sunday, January 4, 5.30pm, BBC), AFC Wimbledon vs Liverpool (Monday, January 5, 7.55pm, BBC), Everton vs West Ham United (Tuesday, January 6, 7.45pm, BT Sport)