1. Hereford United 2-1 Newcastle United
With Newcastle a goal up with eight minutes to play, Ronnie Radford’s spectacular 40-yard screamer sparked one of the biggest shocks of all-time. Rickey George then scored the winner in extra-time of the 1972 third round replay. It was one of the few times a non-league outfit beat a first division side in a competitive fixture.
2. Liverpool 0-1 Wimbledon
Overwhelming favourites Liverpool were undone by a scrapping Wimbledon side as Lawrie Sanchez’s header from a Dennis Wise free-kick secured a famous victory in the 1988 FA Cup final. Dave Beasant’s penalty save to deny John Aldridge was the first in a final and proved crucial.
3. Wigan 1-0 Manchester City
One for the new Wembley then. After being well-beaten to the title by United, the 2013 FA Cup final presented an opportunity for Roberto Mancini to salvage City’s season. A stoppage-time header from Ben Watson though handed Wigan a dramatic win. The Italian was sacked soon after.
4. Wrexham 2-1 Arsenal
The defending champions against the team rock bottom in the football league. It should’ve been a mere formality and when Alan Smith put the Gunners ahead, it looked like it would be just that. With the clock winding down in the 1992 third round clash though, Mickey Thomas (37) beat David Seaman with free-kick before Steve Watkin scored a dramatic winner at the death.
5. Bournemouth 2-0 Manchester United
Another occasion when the holders suffered an early exit. Third Division side Bournemouth put in a high-octane performance at Dean Court to outplay Manchester United. Milton Graham and Ian Thompson scored the goals for Harry Redknapp’s team to send Ron Atkinson’s troops packing as early as the third round in the 1984 tournament.
