Crysencio Summerville emerged as the hero for West Ham United, scoring a dramatic 95th-minute winner to secure a 1-0 victory over League One side Burton Albion in the FA Cup. The match, which required extra time to decide, was overshadowed by significant protests from West Ham fans against the club's ownership group.
Summerville's Late Intervention Saves Hammers
Summerville, introduced as an 83rd-minute substitute for Ollie Scarles, broke the deadlock in a largely lacklustre contest at the Pirelli Stadium. The winger cut in from the left flank, evaded two defenders, and saw his shot deflect off Burton's Terence Vancooten past goalkeeper Brad Collins. This marked Summerville's sixth goal in his last seven appearances, providing a crucial moment of quality in an otherwise disappointing performance from Nuno Espirito Santos' side.
Fan Discontent Takes Centre Stage
Prior to kick-off, West Ham supporters arranged for a plane to fly over the stadium carrying a banner demanding the departure of directors David Sullivan and Karren Brady. The protest highlighted growing unrest among the fanbase, and the team's laboured display against a side 47 league places below them did little to alleviate these frustrations. Despite recent improved form in the Premier League, offering hope of avoiding relegation, this cup tie exposed ongoing issues.
Burton's Valiant Effort Falls Short
Burton manager Gary Bowyer had motivated his players by showing footage of their famous 2006 FA Cup draw against Manchester United, when the Brewers were a non-league club. His full-strength side, despite their own relegation worries in League One, matched West Ham for long periods. They made a strong start, with Sebastian Revan, George Evans, and Tyrese Shade all testing Alphonse Areola, but lacked the cutting edge to capitalise.
West Ham, making 10 changes from their previous match against Manchester United, struggled to create clear chances. Callum Wilson's curling effort in the 38th minute was their first threat, and Mohamadou Kante later sent a shot into the car park. The second half saw slight improvement, with Konstantinos Mavropanos—the only player retained from Monday's lineup—forcing a save from a header, but the game seemed destined for extra time until Summerville's intervention.
Late Drama and Red Card Tension
Just as West Ham gained control, they nearly threw it away when Freddie Potts was sent off in the 101st minute for a reckless challenge on Julian Larsson. Referee Lewis Smith initially showed a yellow card but upgraded it to a red after review, reducing the Hammers to 10 men. Burton seized the opportunity, pouring forward with Jack Armer, Kain Adom, and Kyran Lofthouse all firing narrowly wide, while Kgaogelo Chauke's late shot hit the side-netting, but they couldn't find an equaliser.
The victory sends West Ham into the FA Cup last 16, but the protests and unconvincing performance against lower-league opposition will raise questions about the club's direction under current ownership. Burton, though defeated, earned plaudits for their disciplined and spirited display, reflecting Bowyer's effective preparation and tactical approach.
