Greatest upsets in FA Cup history

The FA Cup remains the most famous domestic cup competition in world football and a major part of the competition's enduring allure stems from non-league and lower league teams defying the odds and beating opponents from the nation's top divisions.Theres a certain romance attached to seeing the underdog triumphagainst the oddsas Wigan Athletics shock win over Manchester City in last years 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 Southampton Manchester United 1-0 (1976)

The 1976 FA Cup Final took place on 1st may 1976 at wembley.It was contested between southampton and manchester united .United had finished third in the first division that season and were strong favourites,while unfancied southampton had finished sixth in the second division . In ont of the biggest shocks in the history of the final , Southampton won 1-0 through an 83rd –minute goal from Bobby Stokes. It was the first time Southampton won a major trophy

#3 Bournemouth 2-0 Manchester United(1984)

Manchester United were the defending FA Cup winners but were stunned by Bournemouth, managed by a certain Harry Redknapp, thanks to goals from Milton Graham (pictured) and Ian Thompson

#4 York City 1-0 Arsenal (1985)

Arsenal faced a tricky trip to Bootham Crescent, the home of York City, then of the old third division. City dominated the game but a replay looked likely until, in the 89th minute, Keith Houchen was fouled and a penalty awarded. Houchen stepped up to send the York supporters into dreamland.

#5 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.

#6 Crystal Palace 4-3 Liverpool (1990)

Eagles surprisingly defeat Liverpool in a 4-3 thriller at Villa Park.A fantastic game with all the goals. Don't forget Palace had lost 0-9,yes NINE, earlier that season at Anfield, so most were expecting another mauling in giants v underdogs. Many Palace fans recall the day as their best ever.

#7 West Bromwich Albion 2-4 Woking (1991)

Trailing 1-0 at half-time, four second-half goals - including a 15-minute hat-trick by striker Tim Buzaglo (pictured) - earned the Isthmian League's Woking a famous win over Division Two side West Brom at the Hawthorns.

#8 Wrexham 2-1 Arsenal (1992)

Arsenal were second in the Premier League. Wrexham were bottom of the entire football league. Trailing with 20 minutes to go, a Mickey Thomas free kick levelled the scores before Steve Watkin popped up with the winner.

#9 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.

#10 Shrewsbury 2-1 Everton (2003)

Former Everton captain Kevin Ratcliffe returned to haunt his former club as he managed the Shropshire side to a famous victory at Gay Meadow. A brace from former Nottingham Forest midfielder Nigel Jemson secured the win over a Toffees team that featured Wayne Rooney.

#11 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.

#12 Havant & Waterlooville 4-2 Swansea City (2008)

With the reward of a fourth round tie at Anfield and holidays to Las Vegas promised by their chairman on the line, Havant & Waterlooville blasted four goals past Swansea and made their FA Cup giant-killing dreams come true.

#13 Liverpool 1-2 Reading (2010)

After holding Liverpool to a draw at home, Reading headed to Anfield for the replay. With no permanent manager and in the midst of a poor run of results, Reading were clear underdogs but an injury-time penalty and an extra-time winner saw the Royals through in front of a silenced Anfield crowd.

#14 Sunderland 1-2 Notts County (2011)

Paul Ince claimed the bragging rights over his former Manchester United teammate Steve Bruce as goals from Craig Westcarr and Lee Hughes saw County dump Sunderland out of the cup.

#15 Stevenage 3-1 Newcastle (2011)

Thirteen years after taking Newcastle to a fourth-round replay before bowing out of the competition, Stevenage took their chance to upset the Geordies in a third-round tie. Goals from Stacy Long, Mike Williamson and Peter Winn gave the then-League Two side a deserved victory.

#16 Wigan Athletic 1-0 Manchester City (2013)

The 2013 FA Cup Final was the 132nd of the FA Cup,the worlds oldest football cup competition.The match, contested by manchester City and Wigan Athletic, took place on 11 May 2013 at Wembley Stadium .It was Wigans first FA Cup Final and Manchester City10th.Wigan pulled off a shock victory against favourites City, winning in circumstances reminiscent of 1988 FA Cup Final when Wimbledon overcome Liverpool.

The magic of The FA Cup saved its final upset of the season for the biggest stage as Wigan Athletic made history at Wembley.Roberto Martinez's team were deserved winners in their first ever FA Cup Final, after more than matching overwhelming pre-match favourites Manchester City.

The winning goal from Ben Watson was remarkably similar to Lawrie Sanchez's '88 winner too, as the substitute flicked a glancing header from an angle over the 'keeper and into the far corner .There could be no complaints from City either, as they misfired throughout the 90 minutes and saw Wigan enjoy the better of the chances if not the possession.

#17 Wigan Athletic 2-1 Manchester City (2014)

Wigan Athletic continued their FA Cup defence in style with an incredible 2-1 victory at Manchester City.The Latics sprung one of the biggest surprises in FA Cup history last year when Ben Watson's last-minute header upset all the odds to see off City.And the spectre of FA Cups past hung over the Etihad once more as goals from Jordi Gomez and James Perch were enough to send Latics through.Samir Nasri's strike as the home side heaped on the pressure counted for nothing as their Cup run was again ended by Wigan.