Mansfield Town pulled off a stunning upset against Premier League side Burnley, advancing to the fifth round of the FA Cup for the first time in over 50 years.
The Stags, currently in mid-table in League One, came to Turf Moor on a five-game winless streak but rallied back to secure a remarkable 2-1 win after going a goal down.
Burnley struggled to capitalize on their first-half opportunities, with Josh Laurent scoring in the 21st minute, leaving the hosts leading at halftime.
Rhys Oates equalized for Mansfield in the 53rd minute, and captain Louis Reed sealed the victory with a spectacular free-kick ten minutes from the end.
This marks Mansfield’s deepest FA Cup run since 1975, having previously knocked out Sheffield United in the third round.
Burnley came into the match on a high after their first Premier League win since October against Crystal Palace, but manager Scott Parker’s decision to make nine changes proved costly.
The match opened with a missed opportunity for Burnley in the third minute when Ashley Barnes failed to find the net from four yards out.
The away supporters expressed their frustrations, singing, “that’s why you’re going down,” as Barnes sat despondently on the field.
Despite Burnley’s early dominance, it was Mansfield who began to threaten and had a goal disallowed in the 34th minute due to a foul on Hjalmar Ekdal.
Burnley had another golden chance, but Loum Tchaouna’s shot went wide of the goal after a setup by Barnes and Laurent.
Oates nearly took the lead soon after the restart, but his shot went over the bar. However, he found success shortly after, scoring with a header following a brilliant cross from Kyle Knoyle.
Burnley’s response came with substitutions, but it was Mansfield who maintained the pressure, with efforts from Stephen McLaughlin and Lucas Akins being thwarted.
In a tense moment, Reed struck a stunning free-kick from 25 yards to give Mansfield the lead, capping a fine performance.
Burnley pushed for an equalizer, but Zian Flemming’s close-range attempt over the bar summed up their frustrating afternoon.
– Manchester City narrowly defeats Salford to reach FA Cup fifth round
Liam Delap acknowledges ‘silly, crazy’ Chelsea blunder, leaving Alan Shearer puzzled.
West Ham thankful to Summerville for avoiding a scare
Crysencio Summerville once again proved crucial for West Ham, as they required extra time to secure a 1-0 victory over League One’s Burton, advancing to the last 16 of the FA Cup.
Manager Nuno Espirito Santo made 10 changes at the Pirelli Stadium, and the Hammers struggled until extra time began.
Summerville, having been substituted onto the field just before extra time, burst forward five minutes into the period, weaving past two defenders and finding the net with a shot that deflected off Terence Vancooten, marking his sixth goal in his last seven matches.
This scoring streak began in West Ham’s third-round victory over QPR, reinforcing their momentum with three wins in five Premier League outings, aiding their bid to evade relegation.
“He’s in a good moment,” Nuno stated. “Summerville is brimming with confidence. Everything he attempts seems to succeed, so we must make the most of it.”
After joining from Leeds in 2024, he had a shaky start with just one goal in his first 38 games, hampered by injury. However, he is currently in exceptional form.
West Ham still faced challenges after Summerville’s goal and had to endure for the last 20 minutes with a man down after Freddie Potts was sent off for a poor challenge on Julian Larsson.
Nuno remarked on Potts’ character, stating he is not a violent player despite the red card decision.
Burton’s manager Gary Bowyer felt his team should have been awarded a penalty in the first half but praised their efforts against a Premier League side.
“Taking a Premier League team to the last moments of extra time is a credit to the boys and the club,” he said.
Norwich knock out West Brom
Norwich secured their place in the FA Cup fifth round with a 3-1 victory over West Brom at Carrow Road, featuring two late goals.
After a competitive match that saw Paris Maghoma score first before Josh Maja equalized, substitute Ben Chrisene struck a stunning goal with just eight minutes left, followed by January addition Mo Toure adding his fifth goal in three matches during stoppage time.
Southampton wins in extra-time against Leicester
Southampton advanced past Leicester City in a tight 2-1 match that required extra time, with Cyle Larin starting things off with a penalty for the hosts, only for Oliver Skipp to equalize before James Bree scored the decisive goal in the 109th minute.