Blackpool youth team beat West Ham to reach fourth round of FA Youth Cup

Substitute Emil Jaaskelainen stepped off the bench to score in a dramatic final 15 minutes, as Blackpool edged out the Hammers in the third round of the FA Youth Cup.

Having been introduced in the 67th minute, Jaaskelainen broke the deadlock to set up a real tense finish at Dagenham and Redbridge’s Chigwell Construction Stadium.

Moments later Craig Thordarson preserved Blackpool’s advantage by saving from the penalty spot, while Rowan Roache hit the bar with a penalty at the other end.

West Ham then had Alfie Lewis sent off in the 90th minute, prior to Blackpool seeing out five minutes of added time.

The Seasiders will now host Southampton in the fourth round of the competition.

The game will take place at Bloomfield Road at a date to be agreed in January.