Blackburn Rovers narrowly missed out on a stunning win in the FA Cup fifth round on Tuesday night.
Up against Premier League opposition in Newcastle United, the Ewood Park club were eventually beaten 4-3 on penalties.
That came following a 1-1 draw after extra time, Sam Szmodics having equalised for John Eustace’s side after Anthony Gordon had put the Magpies ahead.
With one miss each from their first four penalties, Gordon then scored the visitor’s fifth. With captain Dominic Hyam then seeing his effort saved for Blackburn Rovers, it was Newcastle United who secured a place in the quarter finals.
Now, the centre-back has taken to social media to react to the disappointment of the eventual result of an otherwise excellent performance from his team.
Dominic Hyam reacts to FA Cup heartbreak
It was clearly a tough result to take for Hyam, particularly being the man to be denied on the decisive spot kick.
Even so, after a performance that many felt deserved more, the Blackburn Rovers captain can take pride from that showing.
Indeed, he was keen to also pay tribute both to that, and the atmosphere inside Ewood Park on Tuesday night.
Taking to X after the game to reflect on what had happened, the centre back said: “Unbelievable shift from everyone involved. The backing tonight was superb! Sorry for the miss. All focus onto 12 massive leagues games now!”
As Hyam notes, Blackburn Rovers must now turn their attention back to Championship action this weekend.
Eustace’s side are set to travel to Swansea City, looking to claim three big points as they aim to secure their second-tier status.
Blackburn Rovers captain can hold his head high
While it may have ended in devastating fashion, Hyam has absolutely nothing to be ashamed of after Tuesday night.
Once again wearing the armband for Blackburn Rovers, the centre back produced an excellent performance.
He won a string of vital headers and led by example in helping to keep out a high-quality, Premier League attack.
Then, he again showed that leadership and responsibility by steppin up to take such an important penalty.
Ultimately, that did not go in the way he or Blackburn Rovers would have wanted it. That however, is the lottery of the shootout, where such an eventuality has to happen to someone at some point.
In this case it was Hyam, but you can’t criticise him for having the courage to step up in such a high pressure situation.
By contrast, this is just the sort of performance that will have those connected with Blackburn Rovers confident that they can stay clear of the relegation zone between now and the end of the season.