The 10 Biggest FA Cup Upsets in History

The FA Cup offers lower-league clubs from League One, League Two and even non-league football the golden opportunity to test themselves against the nation’s footballing giants, especially against Premier League and Championship sides.

This ability to produce classic David vs. Goliath encounters has cemented the FA Cup’s reputation for unpredictability, making #Cupsets and giant killings a key part of its enduring appeal. Non-league Maidstone reaching the fourth round last season is a testament to the fact that the ‘magic of the cup’ is alive and well.

In light of the ongoing fourth round of this year’s tournament almost giving us League One’s Leyton Orient squeezing past the mighty Manchester City, today EPLNews takes a look at the biggest surprises in the history of the FA Cup.

As this list highlights, shocks can occur at any stage of the competition. However, this phase is when every underdog dares to dream of the impossible, even in an era dominated by multi-million-pound Premier League squads.

Here are 10 of the most astonishing upsets to ever take place in the world’s oldest club football competition.

10. Oldham Athletic 3-2 Liverpool (January 27, 2013)

A Liverpool side featuring stars like Jordan Henderson, Daniel Sturridge and Luis Suárez seemed to have little to fear from an Oldham Athletic team that had lost seven of their previous eight League One fixtures.

However, under the guidance of ex-Manchester City forward Paul Dickov, Oldham found respite in the FA Cup. A Matt Smith brace in the first half, either side of a Suárez solo goal, put them 2-1 up in the fourth round at Boundary Park. Reece Wabara extended the lead and despite Joe Allen pulling one back and Steven Gerrard hitting the crossbar, Oldham held on.

Their reward? A clash with Everton in round five, where Smith scored late to force a replay before their eventual exit at Goodison Park.

9. Chelsea 2-4 Bradford City (January 24, 2015)

Premier League leaders Chelsea, on course for the title under José Mourinho, seemed set for an easy victory when they faced League One side Bradford City in the fourth round. When Gary Cahill and Ramires gave Chelsea a 2-0 lead, a routine win looked inevitable.

But Jon Stead’s powerful strike gave the Bantams hope before a stunning last 15 minutes saw former Chelsea youngster Felipe Morais equalise. Andrew Halliday made it 3-2 and Mark Yeates sealed the historic comeback in stoppage time.

Chelsea 2-4 Bradford City – FA Cup Fourth Round | Goals & Highlights

Bradford added another Premier League scalp in the next round by beating Sunderland before their run ended in the quarterfinals against Reading.

8. Manchester City 0-1 Wigan Athletic (May 11, 2013)

A year after their dramatic Premier League triumph, Manchester City, under Roberto Mancini, sought to continue their silverware streak in the FA Cup final against a struggling Wigan Athletic side battling relegation.

Amid speculation about Mancini’s future, Wigan capitalised on the uncertainty. Despite City’s dominance, Roberto Martínez’s men grew into the contest. After Pablo Zabaleta was sent off, Ben Watson’s stoppage-time header sealed one of the most remarkable Wembley victories in FA Cup history.

Wigan Win the FA Cup in 88th Minute! | Manchester City 0-1 Wigan Athletic | FA Cup Final 2013

Mancini was dismissed within a week, while Wigan suffered relegation but repeated their giant-killing feat by knocking out City again the following season.

7. Stevenage 3-1 Newcastle United (January 8, 2011)

Since the Premier League’s formation, giant killings have become rarer, but Stevenage’s emphatic third-round victory over Newcastle United was an exception.

A deflected effort from Stacy Long gave Stevenage the lead before Michael Bostwick doubled their advantage with a thunderous low drive. Newcastle’s Cheick Tioté was introduced as a second-half substitute but saw red for a reckless challenge. Joey Barton’s long-range effort momentarily gave the Magpies hope, but Peter Winn sealed Stevenage’s place in round four.

6. Liverpool 0-1 Wimbledon (May 14, 1988)

On paper, this was the seventh-best team in England beating the best—hardly a conventional upset. Yet, for many reasons, Wimbledon’s 1988 FA Cup final victory over Liverpool remains one of the most famous shocks in the competition’s history.

Sanchez nods home against Liverpool | From The Archive

Liverpool, dominant throughout the 1980s, had just secured the Division One title and were overwhelming favourites for the double. But Lawrie Sanchez’s looping header put Wimbledon ahead before halftime and goalkeeper Dave Beasant made history by becoming the first to save a penalty in an FA Cup final at Wembley, denying John Aldridge.

5. Stoke City 2-3 Blyth Spartans (February 8, 1978)

Stoke City, recent League Cup winners, were drawn against non-league side Blyth Spartans in the fourth round.

Terry Johnson gave Blyth the lead, but goals from Viv Busby and Garth Crooks looked to have secured Stoke’s passage. However, Steve Carney scrambled an equaliser before Johnson volleyed home the late winner to send Victoria Ground into shock.

4. Sutton United 2-1 Coventry City (January 7, 1989)

FA Cup winners 18 months earlier, Coventry City were riding high in Division One when they faced non-league Sutton United in round three.

Tony Rains exploited a goalkeeping error to put Sutton ahead. Although David Phillips equalised, Matthew Hanlan’s volley secured Sutton’s momentous victory. Their joy was short-lived, however, as they suffered an 8-0 thrashing in the next round at Norwich City.

3. Sunderland 1-0 Leeds United (May 5, 1973)

Don Revie’s formidable Leeds United were the defending FA Cup champions, while Sunderland were a second-tier side. However, Ian Porterfield’s first-half goal and a heroic performance from goalkeeper Jimmy Montgomery saw Sunderland achieve the impossible at Wembley.

2. Wrexham 2-1 Arsenal (January 4, 1992)

Bottom of Division Four, Wrexham hosted reigning English champions Arsenal in round three.

Wrexham’s late surprise FA Cup win v Arsenal (1992) | From the Archive

Alan Smith put Arsenal ahead, but Mickey Thomas’ stunning free-kick levelled the scores with 10 minutes to play. Minutes later, Steve Watkin’s header sealed Wrexham’s unforgettable upset.

1. Hereford United 2-1 Newcastle United (February 2, 1972, AET)

The ultimate FA Cup giant killing. Hereford, a Southern League side, forced a third-round replay against Newcastle at Edgar Street, where heavy rain left the pitch in dreadful condition.

BEHIND THE SCENES | The Bulls Recreate the Famous Ronnie Radford Goal From 1972

Malcolm Macdonald gave Newcastle the lead with just eight minutes remaining. But Hereford responded with one of the most famous FA Cup goals ever—Ronnie Radford’s long-range thunderbolt sparking a jubilant pitch invasion. Ricky George’s extra-time winner sealed Hereford’s legendary triumph.