Saluting the underdog heroes of the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round

We were treated to a plethora of impressive underdog displays in the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round – with two Non-League sides, Lincoln City and Sutton United making it to the last 16 of the tournament.

They were just two of the six sides to knock out higher-division opponents at the weekend. And Ladbrokes News salute four of the star men who made those triumphs possible, starting with a certain outstanding goalkeeping display.

Ross Worner (Sutton United)

While the U’s 1-0 victory over Leeds United was undeniably well-deserved, the south London club do owe a show of gratitude to keeper Worner, who proved himself alert, agile and reliable when the Championship side put their hosts under pressure.

The 27-year-old produced diving saves from the likes of Stuart Dallas and Kalvin Phillips in the first period, before keeping out Matt Grimes’ stinging second-half effort to maintain Sutton’s lead. Having now conceded just two goals in the club’s last four FA Cup ties, he’s fast becoming a hero at Gander Green Lane.

Paul Hayes (Wycombe Wanderers)

Gareth Ainsworth’s men may have finished on the wrong side of a 4-3 defeat at Tottenham, but in the process they became the first visitors to score three or more goals at White Hart Lane in the last 44 games – a record dating back to March 2015.

Much of the Chairboys’ attacking excellent was down to veteran forward Paul Hayes, who rolled back the years with an imperious display, netting a spectacular volley and a well-taken penalty, as well as hitting the bar in the first minute of the game. A thorn in Spurs’ side throughout, the 33-year-old left the Lane with his head held high.

Rob Hall (Oxford United)

He may not have finished Saturday’s 3-0 triumph over Newcastle United on the scoresheet, but the Yellows winger was probably their most influential asset against the Championship outfit, providing two outstanding assists for Michael Appleton’s side.

Firstly, his inch-perfect corner found the head of Curtis Nelson to make it 2-0 after 78 minutes, before the 23-year-old put the icing on the cake by whipping in a cross for West Ham United loanee Toni Martinez to flick home on his debut. Hall may not have got the glory, but he certainly deserves the plaudits.

Theo Robinson (Lincoln City)

For a Non-League side to reach the last 16 of the Emirates FA Cup, they’ll generally need a ton of determination, some genuine skill and a bit of luck – all of which were in evidence for the Imps as they came from behind to beat Brighton & Hove Albion 3-1.

While an own goal from Brighton’s Fiyako Tomori provided the fortune, the fine finishing of Robinson wrapped the result up, with his low strike leading Lincoln into the Fifth Round of the competition.

Could that be the goal which secures Lincoln a plum tie against the likes of Manchester United or Chelsea?

You can follow the Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round draw from 19:20 on Monday January 30.

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