League One Leyton Orient came agonisingly close to an FA Cup giant killing against Manchester City but were beaten by a goal from Kevin de Bruyne. They may have failed to overturn the odds but here are seven of the most unforgettable FA Cup giant killings and upsets.
Hereford United (1972)
In 1972, Hereford United, a team from the fourth tier of English football, achieved something truly remarkable. In a third-round replay, they faced Newcastle United, a top-flight side at the time. What followed was a true David vs. Goliath story. The game, played on a muddy pitch, saw Hereford’s Ronnie Radford score one of the greatest goals in FA Cup history to equalize. In the end, Hereford triumphed 2-1, sending shockwaves through the football world. It was a victory that not only made headlines but also inspired countless non-league teams to dream big.
Hereford didn’t stop there. Their historic run in the 1971-72 FA Cup showed that lower-league teams had the potential to shine on the biggest stage.
Wigan Athletic (2013)
Wigan Athletic’s FA Cup win in 2013 is a story that will forever be remembered as one of the competition’s greatest upsets. Facing the mighty Manchester City in the final, few gave Wigan any chance, especially as they were battling relegation from the Premier League. Yet, in a true fairy-tale moment, Ben Watson scored a dramatic late goal to secure a 1-0 victory at Wembley.
What made Wigan’s win even more special was that they became the first team in FA Cup history to win the trophy while also being relegated in the same season.
Sutton United TWICE (1989) & (2017)
Sutton United’s 1989 FA Cup run brought them into the limelight in a big way. Playing in the fifth tier of English football, they found themselves up against Coventry City, a First Division team at the time. Sutton had never been this far in the Cup, but they made sure to make it count. On a chilly February day at Gander Green Lane, they defeated Coventry 2-1, with goalkeeper Dave Beasant saving a penalty to cap off a brilliant performance. It was a huge shock that made non-league football fans everywhere believe that anything was possible.
They went and repeated their FA Cup exploits by beating Leeds United in the 2016/17 run, before being knocked out by Premier League Arsenal.
Sutton’s run will always be remembered as a defining moment for the club… that and a pasty eating goalkeeper.
Lincoln City – Non-League to Quarterfinals (2017)
In 2017, Lincoln City made history by becoming the first non-league side in over a century to reach the quarterfinals of the FA Cup. Their journey was nothing short of magical, with wins over Ipswich Town, Brighton & Hove Albion, and Premier League side Burnley. Lincoln’s team spirit, solid defence, and passionate supporters were the backbone of this incredible run for Danny and Nicky Cowley.
Brentford – The 1949 Shock Over Sunderland
In 1949, Brentford, a Second Division club, pulled off one of the most shocking results in FA Cup history by defeating First Division giants Sunderland 2-1. Despite being the underdogs, Brentford outplayed Sunderland with a tactical approach that frustrated the star-studded team. The victory was a huge moment for the Bees and remains a proud part of the club’s rich history.
Shrewsbury Town – 1980s
Shrewsbury Town has had its fair share of FA Cup upsets, but their most famous moment came in 1983 when they defeated Tottenham Hotspur 3-1 in the third round. Tottenham, with their squad of international stars, were heavily favoured to win, but Shrewsbury had other plans. Their grit and determination led to one of the biggest shocks of the decade.
The 1980s were a golden era for Shrewsbury in the FA Cup, and while they never went on to win the trophy, their giant-killing feats earned them a place in football folklore.
Northampton Town – The 1970s Cup Heroes
Northampton Town’s 1970s FA Cup exploits are still remembered fondly by their fans. In the 1970-71 season, the Cobblers, a Third Division side, shocked everyone by defeating Liverpool 2-0, a result that was almost unthinkable at the time. This victory was part of a series of upsets that defined Northampton’s history in the competition.
Newport County 2010s+
What do Leicester City, Leeds United and Middlesbrough all have in common? They have all been beaten in the FA Cup by Newport County, one of the best examples of Cup Giant Killers in football. Along with their FA Cup antics they continued their success in the EFL Cup with Luton Town, Swansea City, Watford and Brighton and Hove Albion.
What other FA Cup Giant Killings would you have included?
With the FA Cup replays scrapped will there still be as much opportunity for giant killings?
