The FA Cup boasts a rich history filled with remarkable underdog stories. Since its beginning in 1871, it has become one of the most thrilling trophies in world football. The first FA Cup was worth £20 and featured 15 teams competing for the honor. The competition has expanded significantly, with 745 clubs contending for the trophy.
Whether you are seeking an exciting competition for entertainment or new teams to refine your matched betting strategy, the FA Cup offers an engaging experience.
Sutton United 2-1 Coventry City – 1989
Reaching the third round of the FA Cup is often not favorable for a non-league team like Sutton United. After defeating Aylesbury United in the second round, the opportunity arose for Sutton to play against a top-flight team in the third round. Sutton United had been drawn against Coventry City. For a smaller club, a fixture against a top-flight team would provide a significant financial boost and a memorable day for fans.
3️⃣5️⃣ years ago today. A famous day in our history 💛
Sutton Utd 2-1 Coventry City ⚽️
🎥 https://t.co/EdAKVY5k7j#suttonunited #facup #OTD #memories pic.twitter.com/5t1zWjbQ6Q
— Sutton United FC (@suttonunited) January 7, 2024
However, Sutton United stunned the football world by defeating Coventry 2-1 in 90 minutes. The winning goal was scored by Matthew Hanlan, a full-time bricklayer who played football part-time. This match has become one of the most famous upsets in FA Cup history.
Hereford United 2-1 Newcastle United – 1972
Like Sutton, Hereford United was struck by the challenge of taking down top-flight opposition after drawing North East giant Newcastle United. The match was a third-round replay following the 2-2 draw with Newcastle at the infamous St James’ Park. The Bulls of the Southern League at the time hosted Newcastle at Edgar Street with a packed 14,313 attendance.
In the match, Newcastle took the lead in the first half. Hereford equalised in the 85th minute, taking the game to a forced extra-time, testing the part-time players of Hereford’s endurance. In the 103rd minute, Ricky George scored what would be the winner, launching a pitch invasion of local Hereford fans who had gathered to watch the tie. Following the victory, Hereford played West Ham United and held them to a 0-0 draw. Later, they traveled to London to Upton Park, where they were beaten 3-1 – a great story of FA Cup magic.
Shrewsbury Town 2-1 Everton – 2003
Shrewsbury Town caused another third-round upset over giants Everton Football Club. Everton were playing their football in the top flight of English football in the Premier League, whereas Shrewsbury sat in the relegation zone of Division 3, pending their fate to be relegated out of the Football League. Shrewsbury beat Everton 2-1 in the tie, leaving many Evertonians, including player Wayne Rooney, disappointed with the result.
A brace from Nigel Jemson added his FA Cup campaign tally of 5, which ultimately honed him for being the FA Cup top goal scorer that year. Everton manager David Moyes described the loss as the “darkest night” in his footballing career.
West Bromwich Albion 2-4 Woking – 1991
West Bromwich Albion, competing in the EFL Championship, were drawn against non-league team Woking in the FA Cup. Woking, positioned in the Isthmian League, representing the fifth level of the English football pyramid, entered the match as underdogs. Many observers considered this tie a straightforward opportunity for West Brom to advance, expecting them to overpower their opponents easily. However, they were taken aback by the Woking players’ fierce determination and unwavering passion.
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Tim Buzaglo, a standout performer in the Woking squad, scored a spectacular hat-trick during the match. Like many of the Woking team, Buzaglo, who previously played cricket for Gibraltar, balances his sporting commitments with his day job. His remarkable performance, along with the collective spirit of the Woking team, turned the matchup into a memorable clash, highlighting the unpredictability of cup competitions and the immense heart of lower-league footballers chasing their dreams against all odds.
The Iconic Marine A.F.C. Run – 2020/21
In the 2020/21 FA Cup campaign, Marine A.F.C. triumphed in the qualifying rounds, earning their spot in the tournament’s proper phase. Competing in the Northern Premier League Division One North West, which sits at the 8th tier, or step 4, of the English football pyramid, Marine faced the challenge of taking on Colchester, a team from League 2, who were the clear favourites for this matchup. However, Marine pulled off a stunning upset, defeating Colchester 5-3 in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw.
Remembering a journey that transformed a club and its community forever 😍
@MarineAFC’s sensational run to the Third Round of the 2020/2021 #EmiratesFACup earned them a dream clash with Tottenham Hotspur at the Marine Travel Arena 🙌 pic.twitter.com/ll9Fnm9tk1— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) November 8, 2021
In the second round, Marine went up against Havant & Waterloo, a team two leagues above them, again finding themselves in the underdog position. Neither team could break the deadlock after 90 minutes and as extra time unfolded, Marine snatched a winning goal, propelling them into the third round of the FA Cup. Premier League clubs joined the draw at this stage, marking Marine the lowest-tier team to reach the second round and secure a victory.
Following their impressive win in the second round, Marine was drawn against the English giants Tottenham Hotspur at their humble Rossett Park ground in Crosby. This matchup created the largest gap in league positions between two teams in the competition’s deep history. Unfortunately, Marine’s remarkable run ended with a 5-0 defeat against the Premier League side. Despite the loss, it was an incredible experience for these part-time footballers to compete against players of such high caliber, and the match also brought in substantial funding for the club.