Barclays Premier League outfit, West Ham United, defeated Burnley of the nPower Championship 5-1 in their FA Cup 2011 Fifth round clash at Upton Park on the evening of Monday 21st February 2011.
Hitzlsperger got the Hammers off the mark on 23 minutes, but not before Robert Green in the West Ham goal had made two smart saves against a lively Burnley attack in the opening 15 minutes.
The sides came in at half time with West Ham enjoying a slender 1-0 lead, but, after a quick-fire Carlton Cole (48, 50) brace, the home team were soon enjoying an unassailable 3-0 lead.
A further goal from Reid on 59 minutes took the scoreline to 4-0 before Rodriguez scored a 72nd minute consolation for the visitors.
Freddie Sears gave West Ham another goal three minutes into stoppage time to give the scoreline a slightly flattering appearance in a match that the home team had dominated,in terms of possession. The sides were more closely matched when territory and goalscoring opportunities are considered, though the main difference was that West Ham scored from the majority of their nine shots on target.
But for Robert Green’s early expert interventions in the West Ham goal, this could easily have been a more closely run thing.
As it is, West Ham are rewarded with a Quarter Final trip to Stoke City in the FA Cup 2011 Sixth Round.