Late Woodrow strike for Luton sends Toffees tumbling out of FA Cup
Since Luton were victorious at Goodison Park in the Premier League back in September, Everton have won five of their 10 home games, yet it was the Hatters who got off to the stronger start, with former Toffees players Andros Townsend and Ross Barkley both looking dangerous.
The visitors continued to dominate, and it almost paid dividends as Carlton Morris picked out Elijah Adebayo but the latter sent his back-post header narrowly wide.
Sean Dyche’s men began to grow into the game as the half went on, and Beto had a perfect opportunity to open the scoring after Amadou Onana’s shot was parried into the striker’s path, but Teden Mengi’s last-ditch tackle nicked the ball away for the Portuguese.
Despite Everton taking control of proceedings, they were hit with a sucker punch just before HT as Alfie Doughty’s corner was inadvertently headed in by Vitaliy Mykolenko - causing the home crowd to voice their displeasure at their players.
Rob Edwards’ men remained on top after the break, but as they looked to double their advantage, an error from stand-in goalkeeper Tim Krul handed Everton the leveller.
Jack Harrison received the ball from Beto, drifted goalwards and his shot from the edge of the box looked like it was going to be a routine save for the Dutch goalkeeper, but the ball somehow slipped through his hands.
Edwards would have been encouraged by his side’s response, but poor decision-making in front of goal prevented the Hatters from restoring their lead.
First, Adebayo was denied by João Virgìnia when through on goal, and then Morris failed to get the ball out of his feet in time and his skewed effort was blocked on the line by Nathan Patterson.
With both teams in the thick of a Premier League survival battle, neither would've wanted a replay. And thanks to Luton substitute Woodrow, they wouldn't have to worry about that as he struck right at the death.
The forward pounced on a loose ball in the box to fire home and give the Hatters a second victory at Goodison Park this season, and progress to the fifth round for just the third time from their last six fourth round ties.
Flashscore Man of the Match: João Virgìnia (Everton)
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