Merstham’s stunning FA Youth Cup run was brought to an end in the fourth round proper, when they suffered a 7-0 defeat away to Chelsea.
The non-League club from Surrey had progressed through eight rounds to reach the last 32 in the competition, after starting their journey in the extra preliminary round last August.
Along the way, they've enjoyed victories against the likes of Forest Green Rovers, Burgess Hill Town and St. Albans City, but they came up against a Chelsea side full of confidence at Kingsmeadow in front of 1200-strong crowd.
And fans of the nine-time FA Youth Cup winners were treated to a stunning hat-trick from Shumaira Mheuka and further goals from Ryan Kavuma-McQueen, Leo Cardoso, Reggie Walsh and Chizaram Ezenwata.
The visiting fans from Merstham were rewarded with a goal to cheer though, as Amari Perkins scored just before half time to make it 4-1.
Wednesday evening also saw Norwich City progress to the next round, with a 3-1 away win over AFC Bournemouth at Eastleigh FC.
The Canaries took an early lead in that game through Finlay Corke’s penalty before La'Sean Sealey doubled their advantage. A second goal from Corke put the tie firmly in Norwich’s favour before Charlie Stevens pulled a goal back for the hosts from the penalty spot.
They now join West Bromwich Albion and Southampton in the fifth round proper, following their away victories over Stoke City and Fleetwood Town respectively on Tuesday evening.
First-half strikes from Donte-German Ranger and Divine Onyemachi proved enough for West Brom to pick up an impressive win on the road at the Bet365 Stadium, with Stoke reduced to ten men in the second half following a red card for Jaden Dixon.
Into round 🖐🏆
— West Bromwich Albion (@WBA) January 15, 2025
Check out the highlights from Tuesday night's FA Youth Cup victory over Stoke City. 🎥 pic.twitter.com/cIWOq7Q1Pt
Meanwhile, Southampton’s long trip from the South Coast to the Fylde coast saw them really tested by their hosts and a tight game was decided by three goals in the final 15 minutes. Southampton had to weather some real pressure from Fleetwood, before strikes from Sufianu Sillah Dibaga, Baylee Dipepa and Jay Robinson proved enough to seal their progress.
The first tie of the fourth round was decided on Wednesday 8 January, when Plymouth Argyle beat Lincoln City at Home Park following a 2-2 draw and a 5-4 penalty shootout victory.
