The FA Cup has always been a breeding ground for underdog stories, but it is the third round that often delivers the most shocking upsets. This is when top-tier teams from the Premier League and Championship join the competition, facing off against lower-league and non-league opponents. Here are some of the most iconic giant-killing moments from the third round that have become etched in football folklore.
Hereford United 2–1 Newcastle United (1972)
Perhaps the most famous FA Cup upset of all time, Hereford United—a non-league side—stunned First Division Newcastle United. The match is best remembered for Ronnie Radford’s thunderous long-range strike that leveled the score and sent the crowd into delirium. Ricky George’s extra-time winner sealed Hereford’s place in history, marking one of the competition’s most romantic tales.
Sutton United 2–1 Coventry City (1989)
In 1989, non-league Sutton United produced a performance for the ages, defeating Coventry City, who had lifted the FA Cup just 18 months earlier. Goals from Tony Rains and Matthew Hanlan secured the famous victory, demonstrating the unpredictable charm of the competition.
Wrexham 2–1 Arsenal (1992)
Fourth Division Wrexham pulled off an extraordinary upset against reigning First Division champions Arsenal. The match turned on its head when Mickey Thomas unleashed a stunning free-kick to equalize. Minutes later, Steve Watkin’s calm finish sent Wrexham through, proving that anything is possible in the FA Cup.
Shrewsbury Town 2–1 Everton (2003)
Managed by former Everton player Kevin Ratcliffe, Shrewsbury Town—then in the third tier of English football—produced a sensational performance to knock out their Premier League opponents. Nigel Jemson scored twice, including a late header that cemented the upset and added another chapter to the FA Cup’s storied history.
Lincoln City 1–0 Ipswich Town (2017)
Lincoln City, a National League side at the time, defied the odds by defeating Championship outfit Ipswich Town. Nathan Arnold’s stoppage-time winner sent Lincoln fans into raptures and marked the first time in 41 years that the Imps had reached the fourth round. Their journey didn’t stop there, as they eventually became the first non-league side in over a century to reach the quarter-finals.
The Magic of the FA Cup
These stories are just a few examples of why the FA Cup continues to capture the imagination of football fans worldwide. The competition’s unpredictability and the opportunity for underdogs to shine on the biggest stage make it a beloved fixture in the football calendar. The third round remains the heart of this magic, where dreams come alive, and giants fall.