It’s FA Cup third round day. Perhaps less of a highlight in the football calendar than in previous years, but the tournament always throws up some spills, thrills and shocks over the years. We look back at the ties that got us drooling at the prospect of an upset and then had lower league stalwarts dancing with delight.
Stevenage 3-1 Newcastle, 2011
A big upset for modern times, as rising stars Stevenage, in League Two at the time, stunned the Magpies and were good value for their win. A Mike Williamson own goal was followed by a Michael Bostwick strike. And Joey Barton’s 92nd minute goal meant nothing when Peter Winn went through to make it 3-1. Stevenage deserved their win in front of a packed-out, jubilant Broadhall Way.
Havant & Waterlooville 4-2 Swansea, 2008
The Blue Square South minnows took on Roberto Martinez’s flying Swans in the third round in 2008, with Swansea sitting top of League One. The Hampshire side took the game to the visitors, going 3-0 up in 37 minutes thanks to a Garry Monk own goal and strikes from Jamie Collins and Rocky Baptiste. Swansea fought back through Guillem Bauza and Jason Scotland but were powerless to prevent Havant having their day. A record home crowd of 4,400 at Westleigh Park saw Tom Jordan’s header seal a famous win.
Shrewsbury Town 2-1 Everton, 2003
David Moyes’s faced Everton legend Kevin Ratcliffe who was managing Shrewsbury in this tie. It was therefore no surprise to see the Shrews go all out to turn the tables on the Toffees. First, captain Nigel Jemson’s curling free-kick put them 1-0 up before Swedish midfielder Niclas Alexandersson equaliser. Jemson scored the winner though to beat an Everton side that included Wayne Rooney and heap misery on Moyes.
Hereford 2-1 Newcastle, 1972
One of the most famous upsets of all time. Newcastle have suffered their fair share of cup heartache, losing in consecutive finals in 1998 and 1999 and often finding themselves on the end of giant killings. In 1972 it was Ronnie Radford’s famous strike, which brought the Toon crashing to earth. Non-league Hereford achieved the impossible thanks to Radford’s last gasp equaliser in the third round replay. Then, Ricky George hit a winning goal in extra time to send the Bulls’ fans wild.
Wrexham 2-1 Arsenal, 1992
Arguably the most famous FA Cup upset was pulled off by non-league Wrexham when they hosted defending champions Arsenal at The Racecourse Ground. Veteran Manchester United winger Mickey Thomas hit a memorable goal past David Seaman as the Welsh side fought back from a goal down to put their names in the record books. Alan Smith scored for the Gunners before Thomas and Steve Watkin made it 2-1 to secure the ultimate FA Cup David v Goliath result.
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Click to ClaimJon is one of Howtobet4free’s co-founders and as well as producing content for the site also helps run the @howtobet4free_ Twitter account and Cheltenham Festival Facebook page. Jon works in Marketing and Communications in professional sport.
