Blackpool 2-2 West Bromwich Albion (3-2 pens): Sam Allardyce’s Baggies suffer FA Cup shock

Sam Allardyce’s nightmare start to his reign as West Brom manager continued as his former club Blackpool knocked the Baggies out of the FA Cup on penalties.

Semi Ajayi’s header and Matheus Pereira’s penalty, awarded for an Ollie Turton handball, forced extra time.

But Chris Maxwell saved three shootout spot-kicks to send Blackpool through.

Maxwell, making his return after a bout of coronavirus forced him to miss Blackpool’s past two games, thwarted Kyle Edwards and Darnell Furlong before sealing the Seasiders’ progress by foiling Pereira.

Sullay Kaikai had missed a chance to clinch victory against the Premier League strugglers by hitting the post with Blackpool’s fifth spot-kick but Maxwell’s third save avoided the need for sudden death.

The Seasiders, who handed Allardyce his full-time managerial break in 1994, added to his worries with a committed showing and never looked two divisions inferior to the visitors.

They were dangerous on the counter throughout, swift breaks leading to both their goals as Yates, the scorer of the first, turned provider for the second by helping Dan Kemp’s pass on for Madine to beat exposed keeper David Button.

Kamil Grosicki set up each of Albion’s replies, Ajayi heading home his floated cross before another centre from the Poland winger struck Turton’s outstretched arm and Pereira made no mistake from the spot.

Each side had chances to win it in the additional 30 minutes but Button prevented Madine putting Blackpool ahead for a third time, and Maxwell saved well low down from Edwards’ shot.

Albion remain without a win in five games since Allardyce took charge in December.