Frank Lampard made a winning start to his Everton reign as Brentford were beaten 4-1 in the FA Cup fourth round, while non-league Kidderminster were seconds away from causing a huge upset before West Ham escaped with a 2-1 victory on Saturday.
Lampard was hired on Monday to replace the sacked Rafael Benitez and Everton welcomed the former England star to Goodison Park by winning for just the second time in seven games.
Back in the dug-out for the first time since being dismissed by Chelsea in January 2021, Lampard watched as Yerry Mina headed Everton’s opener in the 31st minute.
Richarlison doubled Everton’s advantage from Allan’s pass three minutes after half-time, with Brentford reducing the deficit through Ivan Toney’s 54th-minute penalty.
Lampard was punching the air in delight eight minutes later when Mason Holgate headed in Demarai Gray’s corner.
Lampard’s last Chelsea match was also in the FA Cup fourth round, a victory over Luton, but this was a far more uplifting affair for the 43-year-old.
Everton fans serenaded him with chants of “Super Frankie Lampard” before Andros Townsend bagged their fourth goal in stoppage-time.
Sixth-tier Kidderminster sit 113 places below West Ham, who are pushing for a place in next season’s Champions League.
But the minnows defied that vast gap with a heroic display that underlined why the FA Cup remains so enthralling for football romantics.
Kidderminster were good value for Alex Penny’s early goal at Aggborough, the defender smashing home after West Ham failed to deal with Omari Sterling’s free-kick.
Moments away from a stunning exit, David Moyes’ men were saved by Declan Rice as the England midfielder charged forward in the first minute of stoppage time, cut inside and fired into the roof of the net.
A penalty shootout was looming in extra time until Jarrod Bowen tapped home from close range with virtually the last kick to finally end Kidderminster’s brave challenge.
