Sam Allardyce struggled to recall a match of such highs and lows after watching West Ham United progress to the fourth round of the FA Cup via a penalty shootout.

Allardyce's side put him through the wringer before goalkeeper Adrian scored the decisive spot-kick to finally settle the clash with 10-man Everton.

Having drawn 1-1 at Goodison Park a week ago, the two sides met again here to determine who would meet Bristol City in the next round and, after extra-time and 20 penalties, the Hammers prevailed 9-8 after the scores were level at 2-2 following 120 minutes.

Enner Valencia had put the hosts in front before Aiden McGeady was sent off for Everton, who got back into the game through a wonderfully-struck Kevin Mirallas free-kick.

Second-half substitute Mirallas then teed up Romelu Lukaku in extra-time to put the Toffees ahead, only for West Ham's Carlton Cole to poke home with his first touch and take the tie to penalties.

Steven Naismith missed Everton's second but Stewart Downing passed up the chance to seal the win when his tame fifth effort was kept out by Joel Robles, who had made a string of impressive saves throughout the game.

How cruel, therefore that the Spanish goalkeeper - who won the competition with Wigan two years ago - thrashed his own penalty against the bar and could not keep out Adrian's effort as West Ham made it through.

"It was unbelievable," Allardyce said when asked about the game.

"The highs and lows in one particular game. It has been a long time since I experienced such highs and lows in one match. Such excitement. It was end to end from the first whistle - nothing like a Premier League game.

"Both teams went out and played and tried to win it. In the end we got what we deserved, there is no doubt about that.

"Unfortunately we missed too many chances, their goalkeeper made some fantastic saves. We had 23, 24 attempts. We missed and fluffed a few and had to rely on penalties in the end to win it.

"Everton have been a bit of a bogey team for us and when Stewart Downing missed I thought 'here we go again'.

"But Adrian saved one brilliantly and took the last one, he was calm. He was determined and it was a victory we deserved over the two legs."

Adrian admitted he was always in control as he peeled off his gloves before coolly finishing his penalty, and said: ''It was the most unbelievable game, for the fans I feel so really happy.

"I was relaxed and quiet when I struck the penalty and we got the victory and keep going in the FA Cup."