Summerville strike earns 10-man West Ham extra-time FA Cup win at Burton

Guardian Sport
by Ben Fisher at the Pirelli Stadium
February 14, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
West Ham’s second-string side scraped through a tense FA Cup encounter with Burton Albion, thanks to a last-gasp goal from substitute Crysencio Summerville. Despite fielding an inexperienced lineup, including regulars like Jarrod Bowen given rest, West Ham managed to secure a 1-0 victory in extra time, avoiding what could have been a humiliating defeat. The match was far from straightforward, with Freddie Potts receiving a red card for a crunching tackle on Julian Larsson just 11 minutes into extra time, leaving the Hammers down to ten men and adding to the tension. Summerville’s strike in the 118th minute proved decisive, reminiscent of past heroics like Declan Rice’s intervention four years ago at Kidderminster. The game ended with a flurry of chances, including a near-miss from substitute Kain Adom and another effort from Kegs Chauke that rattled the side-netting, leaving fans on edge. The match showcased the resilience of West Ham’s younger and less experienced players, who stepped up despite the absence of key regulars. Manager Nuno Espírito Santo appeared to favor rotation, with Summerville being introduced late in the game as a precautionary measure rather than relying on him for the full 90 minutes. The decision paid off as Summerville’s goal ensured progression to the FA Cup fifth round, though the match highlighted the risks of fielding an inexperienced squad. For Burton Albion, despite their efforts and a valiant performance, they were ultimately unable to capitalize on their chances against the ten-man West Ham side. The victory is significant for West Ham as it keeps them in contention in the FA Cup competition, which has historically been a source of pride for the club. The match also demonstrated the importance of depth in a squad, especially during a congested fixtures schedule. For fans of both teams, the game provided drama and excitement, with moments of tension and last-minute opportunities that kept viewers engaged until the final whistle. As West Ham progresses in the competition, the performance of their second-string players will be crucial in determining whether they can maintain their
Verticals
sports
Originally published on Guardian Sport on 2/14/2026