MAXY SPOT OF HEROICS...

Keeper’s penalty magic KO’s Big Sam

- Chris Dunlavy

CHRIS Maxwell was the hero as brilliant Blackpool dumped West Bromwich Albion out of the Cup.

The Seasiders goalkeeper saved THREE penalties in the shootout to cap a richly-deserved victory for the League One outfit.

Twice ahead through Jerry Yates and Gary Madine, Neil Critchley’s side thought their shot at an upset had evaporated after a ridiculous handball decision allowed Matheus Pereira to equalise from the spot.

But the Brazilian went from hero to zero, blasting the decisive spot-kick straight at Maxwell to earn Blackpool a first FA Cup victory over top-flight opposition since 1976.

“It was Maxy’s day,” said an elated Critchley. “He stepped up. He was the hero. I always fancy him on penalties because he’s very good at anticipating and reading which way players go.

“If you watch those saves, they look easy. The reason it looks that way is because he already knows where it’s going. He’s the match-winner but take nothing away from the other players.

“It was a great game, a top, top performance. Everyone contributed and we more than matched a Premier League team.