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.
This story is from the January 10, 2021 edition of The Football League Paper.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the January 10, 2021 edition of The Football League Paper.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
LUKE BOOSTED BY WALES ACE LIAM
Swans bid to mark new era in style...
MATT'S DELIGHT OVER RECORD
WYCOMBE boss Wanderers Matt Bloomfield hailed his history-makers after victory at Lincoln City.
TON-UP IAN ENJOYS HIS SPECIAL WIN
AN Evatt described his 100th win as Bolton boss as very special, although he needed Aaron Collins' injurytime goal to bring up the three figures.
DONS LACK A CLINICAL EDGE AS SADDLERS GRAB POINTS
NATHAN Lowe's strike inspired promotion-chasing Walsall to victory over AFC Wimbledon at the Cherry Red Records Stadium.
SUB GRIMES IS IN-SPIRED TO HEAD THE WINNER
CAPTAIN Jamie Grimes headed in a late winner for Chesterfield after a game of very few chances appeared destined to remain goalless.`
COBBLERS TEST IN TROPHY FOR POSH
HOLDERS Peterborough United have been drawn against fellow League One side Northampton Town in the Round of 32 of the newly-named Vertu Trophy.
HORNETS REMINDED OF GRAY'S BRILLIANCE
WAYNE Rooney expressed his delight as Plymouth extended their unbeaten league home run to six after Andre Gray's last-gasp leveller.
MARTI DOUBTING JOB AFTER DRAW
Rangers home run continues
BIG MAC'S ON TARGET TO SEE OFF THE TIGERS
LUTON boss Rob Edwards felt it was a very good day at the office as his team turned in a gritty performance to beat Hull.
Rohl confident Owls
DANNY Rohl said getting results is the only thing missing as his Owls were held at home by Cardiff.
