Sunderland goalkeeper Robin Roefs saved three penalties from three in a shootout as the Black Cats reached the FA Cup fourth round by beating Everton at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Dutchman Roefs denied James Garner, Thierno Barry and Beto, allowing Luke O’Nien, on his first start of the season having led the club on their rise from League One, to smash in the decisive spot-kick.
It was a deserved win for Sunderland – continuing their fine start to the season – who should have won the game in normal time.
Everton were fortunate to equalise through an incredibly soft penalty in the 89th minute, scored by Garner, when referee John Brooks deemed Trai Hume had fouled 19-year-old debutant Adam Aznou.
That cancelled out a fine opener from Sunderland’s Enzo le Fee, the villain of Sunderland’s Premier League defeat by Brentford after his missed ‘Panenka’ penalty. He swept a precise volley inside the far post in the first half.
Le Fee also scored a penalty in the shootout, this time beating boyhood Sunderland fan Jordan Pickford with a powerful strike. Captain Granit Xhaka also swept home with the visitors faultless from the spot.
Roefs saved low to his right from Garner, dived in the same direction to deny the stuttering Barry and moved to his left to keep out Beto’s tame effort.
It took Sunderland into the fourth round for only the second time in the past 11 seasons on the back of their strong first half of the Premier League campaign.
Everton exit despite naming a strong starting line-up. They were disappointing for much of the match and hampered by an inexperienced bench with eight first-team players out through injury, suspension or international duty.
