It was an exhausted but happy Marlon Harewood who emerged
from the Upton Park dressing-room late on Wednesday night,
following his match-winning extra-time strike against Bolton
Wanderers.
Having run himself into the ground during 120 minutes of frantic, non-stop FA Cup excitement, the Hammers striker was understandably keen to head home for some well-deserved sleep, but not before he'd reflected on another memorable night under the lights at the Boleyn Ground.
"I'm just delighted that we are through to the quarter-finals," said Marlon. "It was nice to get the goal, especially in extra-time, because it saved the lads from penalties!
"Seriously, it was a very tough game and going to extra-time has left us all shattered, but the lads will just get on with it and try to rest as much as possible before Saturday.
"We've got so many games coming up now, but that is the price of success and everyone is feeling confident and looking forward to the quarter-final.
"We had a point to prove against Bolton after Saturday and it was great to finally beat them. The crowd was up for it big time, and the lads were fired up anyway, so we were confident of getting a result, and now we've put ourselves in a great position."
Having run himself into the ground during 120 minutes of frantic, non-stop FA Cup excitement, the Hammers striker was understandably keen to head home for some well-deserved sleep, but not before he'd reflected on another memorable night under the lights at the Boleyn Ground.
"I'm just delighted that we are through to the quarter-finals," said Marlon. "It was nice to get the goal, especially in extra-time, because it saved the lads from penalties!
"Seriously, it was a very tough game and going to extra-time has left us all shattered, but the lads will just get on with it and try to rest as much as possible before Saturday.
"We've got so many games coming up now, but that is the price of success and everyone is feeling confident and looking forward to the quarter-final.
"We had a point to prove against Bolton after Saturday and it was great to finally beat them. The crowd was up for it big time, and the lads were fired up anyway, so we were confident of getting a result, and now we've put ourselves in a great position."