When Lower-League Sides Shock the Top: The Biggest FA Cup Upsets

The FA Cup is a rigorous contest, where dreams are made and football giants are slain. It’s the oldest national football competition in the world, and with that heritage comes a reputation for magic, unpredictability, and moments that leave fans (and punters) absolutely stunned.

For bettors, the FA Cup’s turbulent reputation makes it one of the most exciting sporting competitions to wager on. Lower-league sides stepping up to beat Premier League giants? It happens far more often than you’d expect, and when it does, the odds can reap delightful rewards. It’s time to take a walk down memory lane and relive some of the most jaw-dropping Biggest FA Cup Upsets of all time, giving some insight into why backing the underdog could be your best bet.

What Makes the FA Cup So Famous for Its “Giant-Killing” Moments

What makes the FA cup so different, and so brilliant, is its one-off knockout tournament structure. This alone breeds upsets, one bad day for a goal-topping team can mean an early exit at the hands of a non-league side. Add in smaller, unfamiliar grounds, tricky weather, and squads rotated for bigger fixtures ahead, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for pitchside chaos.

For those placing bets, this means opportunity. Betting on lower-league teams at home, where they thrive on their unique, hostile atmosphere and muddy pitches, often brings fantastic value to their position in the cup.

The Biggest FA Cup Upsets in History

Hereford United 2-1 Newcastle United (1972)

A match so legendary it’s still talked about over 50 years later. Newcastle were a top-flight powerhouse, while Hereford United were a Southern League side. When Ronnie Radford’s 30-yard screamer hit the back of the net to take the game to extra time, history was in the making. Ricky George’s winner sealed one of the most iconic FA Cup moments, and one of the greatest underdog victories.

Wrexham 2-1 Arsenal (1992)

Arsenal were the reigning First Division champions while Wrexham had just finished bottom of the entire Football League. Yet on that day, the magic of the FA Cup lit up the pitch. A late free-kick from Mickey Thomas and a last-gasp winner from Steve Watkin saw Wrexham complete one of the most shocking, yet exhilarating, upsets in FA Cup history.

Shrewsbury Town 2-1 Everton (2003)

Everton, packed with international stars, travelled to Shrewsbury expecting a routine win. What they got instead was a footballing lesson from a third-tier team. Shrewsbury’s winning goal came courtesy of Nigel Jemson, a veteran striker, who bagged a brace to knock the Toffees out.

Luton Town 1-0 Norwich City (2013)

Luton Town made history by becoming the first non-league side in 24 years to knock out a Premier League team. Scott Rendell’s goal against Norwich City stunned the home crowd and sent Luton into the next round, and the FA Cup folklore books.

Lincoln City 1-0 Burnley (2017)

Lincoln City, then a non-league side, became the first team outside the Football League in over a century to reach the FA Cup quarter-finals. Their last-minute winner against Burnley at Turf Moor had punters who backed the Imps celebrating all the way to the bank.

Why Betting on Lower-League Teams Makes Sense

The FA Cup’s unpredictability means underdog wins happen more frequently than in league competitions. Here’s why betting on lower-league teams can sometimes pay off with the amount of biggest FA Cup upsets there have been:

Home Advantage: Smaller grounds create tight-knit, hostile atmospheres that bigger teams struggle to counter.

Team Rotation: Premier League sides often rest key players in early rounds, giving lower leagues a chance against the weaker players.

Nothing to Lose: Lower-league sides play with freedom, knowing the pressure is all on the favourites.

If you fancy a flutter on the underdogs, check out the latest FA Cup odds on Tangobet. You never know, you might just back the next giant killer.

Final Whistle: The Magic of the FA Cup Lives On

The FA Cup remains a one-of-a-kind competition, giving a platform to the Davids to defeat the Goliaths. It’s where every lower-league side dreams of their moment of glory, and in certain circumstances, those dreams do in fact come true. For bettors, these moments of magic offer huge opportunities, and with the right knowledge, you can turn some of the biggest FA Cup upsets into winning wagers.

Want more football insights and betting tips? Check out the latest football news and football tips on Tangobet’s news site. Ready to take a punt? Visit the main Tangobet site for the best odds on upcoming FA Cup fixtures.

After all, in the FA Cup, anything can happen, and it usually does.