OVER THE YEARS, we’ve been treated to some magical moments thanks to the FA Cup.
There’s a certain romance attached to seeing the underdog triumph against the odds — as Wigan Athletic’s shock win over Manchester City in last year’s final recently reminded us.
Below, we have picked out some of the best upsets from the historic competition.
1. Hereford 2-1 Newcastle (1972)
The first time a non-league team had beaten a top-flight side since 1949, the initial game between the two had ended in a 2-2 draw, with goals from Ronnie Radford and Ricky George ultimately handing Hereford an unlikely 2-1 extra-time victory in the replay.
“It was an unbelievable feeling when my goal went in,” said Ronnie Radford. “It could have finished in the car park, but as soon as it left my foot I knew it was going for the top corner and Willie McFaul [the Newcastle goalkeeper] had no chance.”
2. Manchester United 0-1 West Ham (2001)
West Ham triumphed for the first time at Old Trafford since 1986 — against the core of the side that had won the treble less than two years previously — with Paolo Di Canio’s strike proving decisive. United largely dominated the game, but late in the match, Di Canio finished brilliantly, while French goalkeeper Fabien Barthez tried to claim offside as he struck the ball into the net.
“When I scored that goal to knock out Manchester United,” said Paulo di Canio, ” it was a very exciting moment. It was like having sex with Madonna.”
3. Wimbledon 1 Liverpool 0 (1988)
Ireland’s John Aldridge became the first man to miss a penalty in an FA Cup final at Wembley as the underdog Crazy Gang stunned the Culture Club. The unfashionable SW19 side — featuring the likes of Dennis Wise, Vinnie Jones and spot kick hero Dave Beasant — denied the league champions a double. Former Sligo Rovers boss Lawrie Sanchez is still dining out on his historic goal to clinch the win.
Will the Reds be shocked by Bournemouth this weekend?
4. Sutton United 2-1 Coventry (1989)
Coventry, at the time playing in the top division, were embarrassed by a non-league outfit. The defeat was exacerbated by the fact that the Sky Blues were third in the league at the time and playing well.
Tony Rains scored for the home side just prior to half time, before David Phillips responded for Coventry early in the second half. Matthew Hanlon then scored the goal that imortalised the game in FA Cup history on 59 minutes.
Sadly though, Sutton were subsequently beaten 8-0 in the following round against Norwich.
5. Sunderland 1-0 Leeds (1973)
As TV commentator Barry Davies said on the live broadcast: “”A great result for Sunderland and, with all due deference to Leeds, a great result for football.”"
Most expected an illustrious Leeds side featuring the likes of Ireland legend John Giles to easily beat lowly Sunderland in the 1973 FA Cup final. However, Jim Montgomery was a revelation in goals for the underdogs, with Ian Porterfield’s solitary strike ensuring Sunderland became the first Second Division team to win the FA Cup since West Brom in 1931, and the first-ever team to win the competition with no international players.
6. Barnsley 1-0 Chelsea (2008)
Arguably the biggest FA Cup upset ever when you factor in the respective costs of each side. Chelsea’s team featured a number of world-renowned footballers, including Nicolas Anelka, Michael Ballack and John Terry. However, Kayode Odejayi’s header on 66 minutes proved the catalyst for one of the most memorable days ever at Oakwell.
Will home side Chelsea get past Stoke on Sunday afternoon?
7. Bournemouth 2-0 Manchester United (1984)
Bournemouth players and staff celebrate their 2-0 victory with champagne in the bath.
Despite all he has achieved, this encounter remains one of Harry Redknapp’s most famous and impressive achievements as a manager.
The Division Three side took the lead against their big-time opponents when Milton Graham’s goal on the hour-mark gave them a significant boost, before Ian Thompson doubled their advantage with an opportunistic strike shortly thereafter.
The visitors could not recover from these two shock setbacks, leading to one of their most ignominious defeats ever.
“We don’t get many days like this in Bournemouth,” shrugged Redknapp afterwards.
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