With over 100 years’ history behind it, the FA Cup remains the finest and most exciting knockout competition in the world. The long road to the final at Wembley begins during August with over 300 non-league clubs dreaming of enjoying a day in the spotlight when the big boys join in January.
Ahead of this weekend’s quarterfinals, where you can use this Unibet code to back your preferred winners, read on as we look at the 10 greatest FA Cup performances of all-time.
Liverpool 0-1 Wimbledon 1 (1988)
Liverpool turned up at Wembley as one of the biggest ever favourites in the history of the final, as the entire nation tuned in to watch the FA Cup live. They left with their tails firmly between their legs. Lawrie Sanchez put the Crazy Gang ahead in the first-half and Liverpool’s humiliation was completed when Dave Beasant saved John Aldridge’s penalty on the hour mark.
Wrexham 2-1 Arsenal (1992)
A mismatch on paper, with reigning champions Arsenal expected to sweep past Wrexham who were bottom of the old fourth division. Alan Smith put the Gunners ahead, but Mickey Thomas’ stunning free-kick and a late Steve Watkin goal sent the Racecourse Ground wild.
Chesterfield 3-3 Middlesbrough (1997)
Punters would have been falling over themselves to back Middlesbrough to beat Chesterfield in their semi-final tie at Old Trafford. Boro led 3-2 with seconds remaining in extra-time, but Jamie Hewitt headed a stunning equaliser to secure a replay.
Blackpool 4-3 Bolton 3 (1953)
This match between the two North West rivals became known as the Stanley Matthews Final after an unforgettable performance from Blackpool’s brilliant outside-right. The Seasiders trailed 3-2 with seconds left, but a Stan Mortensen free-kick levelled matters before Matthews set up Bill Perry to make it 4-3.
Sutton 2-1 Coventry 1 (1989)
Coventry had won the FA Cup just 18 months previously, but were humbled by non-league Sutton United at Gander Green Lane. Tony Rains put Sutton ahead, before David Phillips tied things up. However, Matthew Hanlan clinched a famous victory for United.
Colchester 3-2 Leeds 2 (1971)
Don Revie’s team were favourites for the league title, but that counted for nothing against plucky Colchester. Missing Billy Bremner and Eddie Gray, Leeds went down to two Ray Crawford goals and one from Dave Simmons in a result that shocked the football world.
Hereford 2-1 Newcastle (1972)
Non-league Hereford had already upset the odds by holding the Magpies to a 2-2 draw at St James’ Park. The replay went down in FA Cup folklore, with goals by Ronnie Radford and Ricky George ensuring that Hereford became the first non-league club to defeat a top flight side for 23 years.
Leeds 0-1 Sunderland (1973)
Leeds were widely recognised as one of the best teams in Europe in the early 1970s, but that didn’t stop them suffering more than their fair share of FA Cup mishaps. Sunderland tore up the script, with Ian Porterfield’s goal and an inspired performance from goalkeeper Jim Montgomery proving to be the difference between the two sides.
Yeovil 2-1 Sunderland (1949)
A record crowd of 16,000 fans packed out Huish Park for this fourth round tie as top flight Sunderland were humbled by Southern League minnows Yeovil. The Somerset side produced the club’s greatest moment when Alex Stock, the former Sunderland player and manager, scored the winner in extra-time.
Ipswich 1-0 Arsenal (1978)
Arsenal were a banker bet to beat Ipswich, but Bobby Robson’s emerging team had other ideas as a defensive masterclass and Roger Osborne’s goal secured a shock victory. The result sparked a period where Town made their mark in Europe, topped off by their success in the UEFA Cup three years later.
