Ten greatest shocks in FA Cup history, ahead of this year’s second round weekend…
Northern Premier League side Blyth Spartans got the second round of this year’s FA Cup off to the perfect start last night – unless you’re a Hartlepool fan – causing a huge upset by defeating the League Two side 2-1, with Jarrett Rivers scoring a 90th minute winner.
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But as the battle hots up to earn a spot in the third round, and a potential clash with a Premier League giant, we count down the top ten shocks in the competition’s history – with a list which comes courtesy of the Daily Mirror‘s vote from earlier this year.
10) Nuneaton 1-1 Middlesbrough
A Middlesbrough side managed by Steve McClaren in 2006, took the lead through a superb Gaizka Mendieta free-kick, before Gareth Southgate’s handball in stoppage time allowed Gez Murphy to snatch a draw from the penalty spot. Borough beat the Conference North side 5-2 in the replay.
9) Manchester United 0-0 Exeter
Former Old Trafford trainee Andy Taylor squandered two chances that would have given the Conference National side an astonishing victory in 2005. United won the replay 2-0, but the minnows had already enjoyed their historic day.
8) Shrewsbury 2-1 Everton
Languishing near the bottom of the Football League in early 2003, Shrewsbury turned the form book on its head thanks to two goals from Nigel Jemson. The winner came in the 89th minute, with a glanced header past Richard Wright. Shrewsbury were relegated later that year.
7) Burnley 0-1 Wimbledon
Wimbledon announced their arrival in 1975, as they began their meteoric rise from non-league to the top flight. Micky Mahon stunned Burnley to grab the winner but the hero was goalkeeper Dicky Guy, who made a string of superb saves.
6) Liverpool 0-1 Wimbledon
Dave Beasant became the first goalkeeper to lift the FA Cup after famously saving a penalty from striker John Aldridge in the 1988 final. Lawrie Sanchez headed the iconic winner following a free-kick from Dennis Wise.
5) Sunderland 1-0 Leeds
In 1973, Second Division Sunderland took on the might of Don Revie’s Leeds and emerged victorious, lifting the famous trophy in front of a stunned Wembley crowd. Ian Porterfield’s first-half strike proved to be the winner, while the heroics of goalkeeper Jim Montgomery caused manager Bob Stokoe to run and congratulate him at the final whistle.
4) Bournemouth 2-0 Manchester United
Harry Redknapp was already making headlines in 1984. In his first job as boss of Third Division Bournemouth he masterminded a 2-0 win over the Cup holders Manchester United – then managed by Ron Atkinson – at Dean Court.
3) Sutton 2-1 Coventry
Coventry arrived in Surrey just 18 months after winning the 1987 FA Cup and were riding high in the top flight. But they were left stunned as Tony Rains and Matthew Hanlan became the goalscoring heroes for a team fashioned by English teacher Barrie Williams.
2) Wrexham 2-1 Arsenal
In 1992 the Gunners were the reigning league champions, Wrexham were bottom of the old fourth division. Arsenal had taken the lead through Alan Smith but, with 10 minutes to go, 37-year-old Mickey Thomas unleashed a 25-yard free-kick past David Seaman for the equaliser. The Welsh side could sense an upset and Steve Watkin popped up late on to score the winner.
1) Hereford 2-1 Newcastle
The Southern League side had earned a glorious 2-2 draw at St James’ Park in February 1972 and were given little chance of emulating that feat in the replay. But Ronnie Radford equalised with a 40-yard thunderbolt to take the game into extra time. Then Ricky George hit the winner.
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