Leeds hold nerve to win shootout after West Ham’s dramatic fightback
The Guardian · 2026-04-05 · archive
The familiar London Stadium rush for the exit has never been so misjudged. A lot of West Ham fans decided they had seen enough when Dominic Calvert-Lewin put Leeds within touching distance of a first FA Cup semi-final since 1987, but how wrong they were. The non-believers reckoned without their side forcing extra time with a wild fightback from 2-0 down and were not allowed back in to see a ridiculously game go the distance.It ended with Finlay Herrick, a 20-year-old goalkeeper whose experience of senior football extended no further than 10 games during a loan spell with National League...
The Story So Far
West Ham United exited the FA Cup following a penalty shootout defeat to Leeds United at the London Stadium. After trailing by two goals, the Hammers produced a remarkable late comeback to force extra time, catching out many home supporters who had already left the ground. Despite the momentum shift, Leeds held their nerve from the spot to progress. The contest saw young goalkeeper Finlay Herrick make a senior appearance for the club. His inclusion followed a brief development loan consisting of ten games in the National League. The visitors’ clinical finishing in the shootout ended West Ham United's hopes.
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