The 10 Greatest FA Cup Upsets of All Time

The FA Cup is frequently dubbed the greatest cup competition in the world, often characterised by classic matches and unlikely upsets. Here, we look at the ten greatest and most famous cupsets in the competitions’ rich and prestigious history.

1) Manchester City 0-1 Wigan Athletic – 2012/13 FA Cup Final

Ben Watson’s last-minute winner secured Wigan Athletic’s first ever major trophy as they beat the Premier League runners-up at Wembley. The star-studded City side couldn’t break down Roberto Martinez’s resolute defence, and Watson stepped up to head home a corner at the death to spark jubilation among Latics’ supporters.

However, the joy was short-lived as Wigan suffered relegation from the Premier League just days later, becoming the first team in history to win the FA Cup and get relegated in the same season.

2) Hereford United 2-1 Newcastle United – 1971/72 FA Cup Third Round Replay

After a 2-2 draw at St. James’ Park, Southern League side Hereford United were already overjoyed with the prospect of hosting First Division Newcastle at Edgar Street.

It took until the 82nd minute for the visitors to break the deadlock, with Malcom Macdonald converting Viv Busby’s cross. However, three minutes later, Ronnie Radford stepped up for the hosts to score arguably the most famous goal in FA Cup history, as he unleashed a 30-yard rocket into the top corner, sparking a pitch invasion.

Ricky George’s extra-time winner is often overshadowed by Radford’s strike, but it sealed a remarkable victory for fifth-tier Hereford against top-flight opposition.

3) Burnley 0-1 Lincoln City – 2016/17 FA Cup Fifth Round

National League side Lincoln City headed to Turf Moor following a fairytale cup run, with the Imps already beating five teams to reach this stage of the competition, including Ipswich Town and Brighton & Hove Albion. Sean Dyche’s Burnley were yet to concede a goal in the 2016/17 FA Cup campaign, but this all changed when Danny Cowley’s side rolled into town.

A cagey encounter, that included various flashpoints including an ill-tempered incident between Matt Rhead and Joey Barton, was nicked by Lincoln at the death as Sean Ragget’s looping header won it for the non-league side, who became the first non-league outfit to reach the FA Cup quarter-finals in 103 years. The reward for Cowley’s side was a lucrative trip to The Emirates.

4) Wrexham 2-1 Arsenal – 1991/92 FA Cup Third Round

Reigning First Division champions Arsenal arrived at fourth-tier Wrexham as overwhelming favourites, especially as the hosts fielded a side of almost entirely academy graduates aged 20 or under. By contrast, George Graham named seven internationals in his XI, for what seemed a formality at The Racecourse Ground.

All was going to plan when Alan Smith converted Paul Merson’s cross two minutes before the break, but a stunning second-half turnaround with 82nd and 84th minute goals from Mickey Thomas and Steve Watkin inflicted Arsenal with defeat, and Graham with what he stated was, “his lowest moment in football.”

5) Sutton United 2-1 Coventry City – 1988/89 FA Cup Third Round

8,000 fans packed into Gander Green Lane to see Conference side Sutton United take on 1987 winners Coventry City. Many would have expected City to come through as comfortable winners, and despite dominating proceedings, Sutton had other ideas.

Tony Rains capitalised on an error from visiting keeper Steve Ogrizovic to give the hosts a half-time lead, but David Phillips restored parity for the visitors just after the break. The giant-killing was completed in the 59th minute when Matthew Hanlan volleyed home for United.

This marked the fifth time a non-league team had beaten top-flight opposition in FA Cup history – a feat that would not reoccur for 24 years.

6) Chelsea 2-4 Bradford City – 2014/15 FA Cup Fourth Round

49 league places separated the Premier League leaders and League One Bradford City, and when Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea strolled into a 2-0 lead thanks to goals from Gary Cahill and Ramires, it seemed The Blues would cruise to victory.

Jon Stead’s 41st minute strike put a spanner in the works for the Premier League side, and when Filipe Morais fired home 15 minutes from time, Mourinho turned to the bench and introduced stars like Cesc Fabregas, Willian and Eden Hazard. It seemed certain Chelsea would go onto win, but an 82nd minute strike from Andy Halliday and a stoppage time goal from Mark Yeates sealed the most unlikely of victories for Bradford.

7) Sunderland 1-0 Leeds United – 1972/73 FA Cup Final

Don Revie’s Leeds United were the dominant force in English football in the early 1970s and went into the 1973 final as reigning champions of the competition. Second-tier Sunderland were expected to be on the end of a hammering, but Bob Stokoe’s side defied all the odds.

In front of 100,000 at Wembley, Ian Porterfield’s 32nd minute goal gave the Black Cats the win, becoming the first second-tier side to win the FA Cup since West Brom in 1931, and remaining Sunderland’s only piece of major silverware since 1937.

8) Stevenage 3-1 Newcastle United – 2010/11 FA Cup Third Round

League Two side Stevenage’s classic giant-killing over Newcastle United was just the third time a team from the fourth tier had beaten a top-flight side since the formation of the Premier League in 1992.

Stacy Long’s deflected strike gave the hosts the lead just after half time, and Michael Bostwick doubled the advantage soon after. The Magpies’ afternoon went from bad to worse when Cheick Tiote was sent off, but Joey Barton’s effort reduced the deficit for the top-flight side. However, Peter Winn sealed an unbelievable upset in stoppage time for Graham Westley’s side to set up a fourth-round clash with Reading.

9) Liverpool 0-1 Wimbledon – 1987/88 FA Cup Final

Liverpool’s domination in the 1980s, led by Kenny Dalglish, came to fruition again as his side arrived at Wembley as league champions, having only tasted defeat twice in the league all season. Mid-table Wimbledon seemed like a pushover, but the Dons had other ideas.

Lawrie Sanchez’s header just past the half-hour mark gave Wimbledon an unlikely lead, and after Dons keeper Dave Beasant denied John Aldridge to become the first keeper to save a penalty in an FA Cup final, Wimbledon clung on to lift the cup and prevent Liverpool from winning the double for a second time.

10) Oldham Athletic 3-2 Liverpool – 2012/13 FA Cup Fourth Round

Liverpool arrived at Boundary Park to face a side they had demolished 5-1 in the same competition a season earlier. However, despite the Reds naming an all-star attack of Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge, it was not a repeat of the events of 2012.

Paul Dickov and Matt Smith struck for Oldham either side of a Suarez goal, and Reece Wabara extended the home side’s lead early in the second half. Joe Allen’s 78th minute consolation was not enough for Liverpool, who fell to side who had lost seven of their last eight in League One.

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