West Ham United and Chelsea both narrowly avoided ignominious FA Cup exits with narrow wins against lower-league opposition, as Everton marked Frank Lampard's first game in charge by sauntering past Brentford into the fifth round on Sunday (NZ time).
A day devoid of shocks also had Premier League leaders Manchester City crush second-tier Fulham 4-1 while relegation strugglers Norwich City enjoyed a morale-boosting 1-0 win at top-flight rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers.
After Middlesbrough's incredible penalty shoot-out win at 12-time winners Manchester United on Friday, the stage was set for sixth-tier Kidderminster Harriers to supply some FA Cup magic as they hosted high-flying West Ham United.
And how close they came.
Kidderminster led for 72 minutes thanks to Alex Penny's side-footed goal in the 19th minute but with one of the great FA Cup shocks brewing, Declan Rice levelled in stoppage time.
Then, as penalties loomed at the end of extra time, Jarrod Bowen broke Kidderminster's hearts to earn West Ham a 2-1 win.
It was cruel on the side 121 places below West Ham in the standings and visiting manager David Moyes, while delighted at his side's let-off, reserved some sympathy for the minnows.
Chelsea did not leave it quite so late but also had to come from behind to beat third-tier Plymouth Argyle 2-1 after extra time at Stamford Bridge.
Plymouth shocked the Premier League side when defender Macaulay Gillesphey nodded the ball home from a free kick by former Chelsea player Jordan Houghton in the eighth minute.
Captain Cesar Azpilicueta equalised in the 41st minute with a neat flick and fellow Spaniard Marcos Alonso then struck in the 16th minute of extra time.
Even then Plymouth were not done and they were awarded a penalty five minutes from time when Malang Sarr brought down Ryan Hardie in the box but Spain's Kepa Arrizabalaga dived low to his left to save Hardie's shot.
Chelsea coach Thomas Tuchel was not at the game after testing positive for COVID-19.
Manchester City fell behind to an early goal by Liverpool target Fabio Carvalho at the Etihad Stadium but Ilkay Gundogan quickly equalised and John Stones put them ahead before halftime. Riyad Mahrez scored twice in the second half to complete the victory.
Reuters
