When West Ham are in need of a goal, centre-back Craig Dawson might not exactly be the natural choice you would expect to step up.
However, the 30-year-old struck decisively with a commanding header to ensure that the Hammers would advance to the FA Cup fourth round with a 1-0 win over Stockport County last night.
Dawson’s drilled header proved to be the match-winning moment as substitute Jarrod Bowen, who has recently enjoyed a significant pay rise, whipped in an accurate cross to the on-loan centre-back.
The former West Brom defender joined the Hammers on loan from Championship side Watford, who suffered relegation last season. Having initially struggled to break into David Moyes’ side, Dawson has recently become a more regular feature of the Irons’ defence in league and cup games alike.
The 30-year-old provides experienced competition for the likes of Angelo Ogbonna, Issa Diop and Fabian Balbuena. He has earned notable praise for his recent performances, including his role in shutting out the likes of Che Adams and Danny Ings in a 0-0 draw with Southampton two weeks ago.
Many West Ham fans took to Twitter to praise both the offensive and defensive elements of Dawson’s game after his decisive intervention last night, with some hailing his performance as “class”…
Twitter: @WestHam Credit where it is due, Craig Dawson’s signing was mocked by many, including myself, however, since coming… https://t.co/75zhf6t8eM (@WestHamJoshV)
Twitter: @WestHam Dawson has been class. Clean sheets and strong heading. (@Bobby_Seagull)
Twitter: Corner taken quickly, DAWSON!!! (@HobanSam)
Twitter: @WestHam BLUE. PASSPORT. BECKENBAUER. (@AkiW_M)
