Shoot!’s FA Cup Awards (Fourth Round)

Player of the Round: Paul Hayes (Wycombe Wanderers)

No matter of the outcome, it was always likely to be a day that the Wycombe players would never forget, and as the game turned out, they definitely won’t now.

Despite eventually coming out on the wrong end of a 4-3 thriller, Gareth Ainsworth’s men did themselves and the club proud on a day that will never be forgotten in North London.

None more than Paul Hayes, who netted the visitor’s first two goals. His first, a sublime volley, only narrowly missed out on Shoot!‘s Goal of the Round, before holding his nerve with a spot-kick shortly after.

He sent his side into a shock lead inside 23 minutes, smashing home an impeccable volley following a corner that was only partially cleared. You wouldn’t believe it, but it was actually his weak foot!

Wycombe were awarded a penalty when young Spurs defender Cameron Carter-Wickers fouled Sam Wood in the area, and Hayes coolly dispatched from twelve yards.

At this moment, the visitors were in absolute dreamland and at 2-0 up, were probably better off than even the most optimistic fan would have dared to even think about.

Unfortunately for the League Two promotion pushers, they couldn’t hold on for the most incredible of cup upsets, as second-half goals from Son Heung-min (2), Vincent Janssen and Dele Alli caused a heartbreaking exit.

On the day they might rue early missed chances from star man Hayes, who saw his header crash off the bar inside the opening few minutes, but he more than made up for Wycombe and the ‘Magic of the FA Cup’ just wasn’t quite strong enough to push them over the line.

Nevertheless, a day and a performance that will live long in the memory for all those involved with Wycombe Wanderers.