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Everton logo
FA Cup | Third Round
Jan 6, 2015 at 7.45pm UK
 
West Ham logo

1-1

Lukaku (91')
FT(HT: 0-0)
Collins (56')

Romelu Lukaku rescues FA Cup replay for Everton

Romelu Lukaku scores in injury time to force a replay in Everton's FA Cup third-round tie with West Ham United.

Romelu Lukaku scored in stoppage time of the second half to rescue an FA Cup third-round replay against West Ham United this evening.

James Collins appeared to have set up a fourth-round clash with either Doncaster Rovers or Bristol City, but the two teams will now meet again at Upton Park.

Everton's Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku celebrates scoring the equalising goal in added time during the English FA Cup Third Round football match against West Ham United on January 6, 2015© Getty Images

The hosts had a chance to break the deadlock after just 13 minutes when Adrian spilled Lukaku's effort, but the keeper atoned for his error by denying Kevin Mirallas on the rebound.

The Hammers had their first effort on goal one minute later as they broke quickly, but Joel Robles was equal to Stewart Downing's 25-yard strike, tipping it over the top.

The visitors were again almost architects of their own downfall later in the half as they gifted possession to Gareth Barry, who found Mirallas in a good position. However, Winston Reid got across to make the block and deny the Belgian.

Lukaku was next to come close for Everton when he charged into the area, but he could only drag his shot wide of the far post when he should have done better.

Everton's English midfielder Ross Barkley (L) competes with West Ham United's French midfielder Morgan Amalfitano during the English FA Cup Third Round football match on January 6, 2015© Getty Images

West Ham pushed for the opening goal before half time and had their clearest chance of the opening 45 minutes when Morgan Amalfitano collected the ball inside the box, only to blaze his shot over.

Lukaku had one more warning shot before the break as he tested Adrian with an effort from distance, while his compatriot Mirallas lofted a clever effort just over four minutes after the restart.

The visitors began to up the ante, however, and Carl Jenkinson forced a smart stop from the Everton keeper at his near post following a driving run into the area.

Downing also saw an effort deflected behind moments later, but West Ham's pressure finally told from the resulting corner as Collins powered a header in from Amalfitano's delivery.

James Collins of West Ham United (C) scores their first goal with a header past goalkeeper Joel Robles of Everton during the FA Cup Third Round match on January 6, 2015© Getty Images

They almost doubled their advantage immediately afterwards too, but this time Joel was able to keep out Enner Valencia's header at the back post.

Everton responded with some pressure of their own as Lukaku forced a difficult clearance from Collins before seeing a goal ruled out for offside.

The Hammers refused to sit back on their lead and went in search of a second goal to give them a cushion, with Downing and Reid both coming close.

Ross Barkley looked to grab the game by the scruff of its neck as time began to run out for the Toffees, sending a dangerous cross just too far in front of Lukaku before testing Adrian himself with a powerful drive.

Seamus Coleman then squandered an opening before Lukaku's heroics as the big striker slammed an effort past Adrian having been found in the middle by Bryan Oviedo.

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Written by
Barney Corkhill
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Romelu Lukaku in action for Everton on November 22, 2014
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