Burton Albion v West Ham United: FA Cup fourth round – live

Guardian Sport

by Barry Glendenning

February 14, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

A unique and dramatic start to the FA Cup fourth-round clash between Burton Albion and West Ham United unfolded at Pirelli Stadium in Staffordshire. As the teams prepared for kick-off on a sunny Valentine’s Day, a groundsman was called upon to repair a torn goal net using crochet—a rare and unusual sight in football matches. Meanwhile, a plane flew over the stadium trailing a protest banner urging West Ham co-owners David Sullivan and Karren Brady to step down. These events set the stage for an intriguing contest, with both teams aiming for different milestones: Burton seeking their first-ever fifth-round appearance, while West Ham looked to continue their cup campaign. The match itself was preceded by a series of curious incidents that captured the attention of fans and media alike. The act of mending the net with crochet added a quirky touch to the pre-game preparations, though it highlighted the challenges faced by smaller clubs like Burton Albion, who often struggle with resources. Meanwhile, the protest banner from the plane underscored the ongoing tensions between West Ham supporters and their owners, who have faced criticism over management decisions. These distractions could potentially impact both teams’ performances, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the match. Burton Albion entered the game with a historic opportunity to reach the fifth round of the FA Cup for the first time in their history. The club’s determination to achieve this milestone was evident as they took to the pitch against a stronger West Ham side. For West Ham, the stakes were high as well: a win would keep them in contention for silverware and maintain their reputation as a competitive force in the cup competitions. The match itself promised to be an exciting encounter, with both teams showcasing their skills on the compact Pirelli Stadium pitch. Burton’s ability to exploit set-pieces and counter-attacks could prove decisive, while West Ham’s attacking prowess and experience in cup matches would likely see them dominate possession. Fans were eager to see how these factors would play out, especially given the added context of the protest and the net repair incident. For sports enthusiasts, this match matters because it highlights the unpredictable nature of football and the importance of every game, regardless of the

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Originally published on Guardian Sport on 2/14/2026