15 January,2015 07:30 AM IST | | AFP
West Ham United goalkeeper Adrian proved an unlikely match-winner as his side edged 10-man Everton 9-8 in a nail-biting penalty shootout after a gripping FA Cup third-round replay on Tuesday night
West Ham's Adrian celebrates after scoring a penalty against Everton
London: West Ham United goalkeeper Adrian proved an unlikely match-winner as his side edged 10-man Everton 9-8 in a nail-biting penalty shootout after a gripping FA Cup third-round replay on Tuesday night.
West Ham's Adrian celebrates after scoring a penalty against Everton
Enner Valencia put West Ham ahead early in the second half at Upton Park and Everton then had Aiden McGeady sent off, only for Kevin Mirallas' late free-kick to send the tie to extra time.
Mirallas teed up Romelu Lukaku to put the visitors in front, but West Ham substitute Carlton Cole made it 2-2 and the hosts prevailed when Adrian netted his spot-kick in the ensuing shootout after his opposite number Joel Robles had hit the bar.
"It was an unbelievable game for the fans. I feel really happy," Adrian told BT Sport. "I was relaxed when I stepped forward to take the penalty. We've got the victory and we go through to the next round."
Sam Allardyce's side now face a fourth-round trip to Bristol City, who won 2-0 at home to fellow third-tier representatives Doncaster Rovers courtesy of a brace from former Arsenal forward Jay Emmanuel-Thomas.
"It is heartbreaking because we were down to 10 men for a long period, but I thought we were the better side," said Everton manager Roberto Martinez. "The penalties were a bit of a lottery, but I couldn't be prouder."
