5 FA Cup Third Round Shocks That Stunned the Footballing World
The draw for the third round of this season's FA Cup was made at Slough Town's ground Arbour Park by former Tottenham Hotspur players Glenn Hoddle and Jermaine Jenas. With the Premier League and Championship sides entering the competition the excitement intensifies for the smaller clubs in the football pyramid and once again the draw did not fail to disappoint.
There were a few mouth-watering ties that will get supporters around the country on the edge of their sofas as the fixtures take place on the weekend of 6th and 7th January 2018.
Historically, there have been some significant scalps, particularly at this stage of the competition, that have shocked the footballing world and it's these giant killings that make the FA Cup a unique competition in club football and the envy of the world.
There have been numerous third round shocks over the years and here's a look at a few of the most surprising in recent memory.
5. Burton Albion 0-0 Manchester United, 2006
On this occasion, the Premier League’s most decorated side was held to a goalless draw by an emerging team from the east Midlands who had never even experienced league football. You might assume that Alex Ferguson sent out a selection of his squad players and unproven youngsters to the 6000-capacity Pirelli Stadium back in 2006.
Although Manchester United were far from full-strength, their team sheet still included eventual superstars of the game in Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney, as well as French internationals Louis Saha and Mikael Silvestre and Norwegian international striker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Burton Albion’s hard-fought result, therefore, shouldn’t be devalued and the replay at Old Trafford financially secured the club's long-term future and allowed them to plan for their eventual promotion to the football league in 2009 and achieve their dream of professional football.
4. Wrexham 2-1 Arsenal, 1992
Arsenal found themselves on the receiving end of a giant killing at the Racecourse Ground in 1992. George Graham’s men were the reigning league champions at the time while Wrexham, who had finished bottom of Division Four (now League Two), would have been playing in the Conference had the League's committee not decided to temporarily scrap relegation.
When Alan Smith put the Gunners in front shortly before half-time, the inevitable writing seemed on the wall for the Welshmen. However, out of nowhere former Manchester United winger Mickey Thomas drew the Dragons level with a spectacular free kick, which had David Seaman grasping at air as the ball nearly burst the net.
Then, incredibly, just two minutes from time Steve Watkin grabbed a late winner to inflict an embarrassing blemish on Graham’s illustrious managerial career while the home supporters erupted into a chorus of celebration.
3. Bournemouth 2-0 Manchester United, 1984
A similar result today would raise a few eyebrows, even though they compete against each other in the Premier League. However, back in 1984 Bournemouth and Manchester United were even further apart both on and off the pitch.
While languishing in the old Third Division (now League One) and struggling to keep themselves afloat financially, Harry Redknapp’s men were written off as cannon fodder when they drew the reigning FA Cup holders in the third round at Dean Court. Instead, the Cherries made Ron Atkinson’s star studded side, which included England captain Bryan Robson, look like amateurs with a thoroughly deserved and inspired 2-0 victory.
The scoreline bemused the army of away supporters so much that many invaded the pitch just minutes from full-time. The interruption failed to inspire a dramatic fightback from the Reds and Bournemouth’s squad were awarded with an almighty £200 bonus for their incredible result!
2. Sutton United 2-1 Coventry City, 1989
Only 19 months after Brian Kilcline lifted the FA Cup trophy at Wembley stadium for the Sky Blues after their amazing 3-2 win against Spurs, First Division regulars Coventry City were unceremoniously dumped out of the FA Cup by an insurance executive and a bricklayer plying their football skills for part-time Sutton United.
Tony Rains and Matthew Hanlan were the heroes for the amateur side who helped guide the U's to a historic victory that is still long remembered now by the footballing fraternity. This tremendous victory remains the last time a non-league side beat a top-flight club at this stage of the competition and the celebratory scenes at Sutton's former ground Gander Green at the final whistle will never be forgotten.
1. Hereford 2-1 Newcastle, 1972
Newcastle United, then in Division One (now the Premier League), were probably fixated on scoring double figures when they took the lead against amateur Hereford United in just 17 seconds into their 1972 encounter at St. James' Park.
However, the underdogs from the west country managed to earn an amazing 2-2 draw to force a replay which would go down as one of the most remarkable David vs Goliath battles in FA Cup folklore.
Two crowd invasions at Edgar Street, Hereford’s Roger Griffiths playing for 80 minutes with a broken leg, a playing surface which resembled a mud bath, a phenomenal 30-yard equaliser which turned previously unknown Ronnie Radford into a household name and an extra-time winner courtesy of a part-time carpenter all played their part in a dramatic game which is symbolic of the competition.
Many acknowledge Hereford United's result the most incredible third round upset in the competition's history.