FULL LIST: Top 10 memorable cup upsets in English football history

Fleetwood Town reached the League Cup quarter-finals for the first time by beating Arsenal Photo: GETTY IMAGES

English football has produced some extraordinary giant-killings, with lower-league and non-league clubs shocking established giants in the FA Cup and League Cup.

From Hereford United’s famous victory over Newcastle United to Bradford City’s stunning comeback against Chelsea, these matches have become unforgettable moments in English football history.

Here are 10 of the most memorable cup upsets as reported by BBC Sport on Wednesday

1. Hereford United 2-1 Newcastle United (FA Cup, 1972)
Hereford United produced one of the most iconic giant-killings in FA Cup history by defeating top-flight Newcastle United in a third-round replay. Ronnie Radford’s spectacular long-range equaliser sent the match into extra time before substitute Ricky George scored the winner.

2. Wrexham 2-1 Arsenal (FA Cup, 1992)
Fourth-tier Wrexham stunned reigning league champions Arsenal. After Alan Smith gave the Gunners the lead, Mickey Thomas scored a memorable free-kick before Steve Watkin netted the winner to complete a remarkable comeback.

3. Sutton United 2-1 Coventry City (FA Cup, 1989)
Non-league Sutton United shocked Coventry City, who had won the FA Cup just two years earlier. Matthew Hanlan scored the decisive goal to send Sutton into football folklore.

4. Bradford City 4-2 Chelsea (FA Cup, 2015)
Bradford City produced a stunning comeback at Stamford Bridge after falling 2-0 behind to Chelsea. Goals from Jon Stead, Filipe Morais, Andy Halliday and Mark Yeates turned the tie around and eliminated the Premier League leaders.

5. Bradford City 1-1 Arsenal (3-2 on penalties, League Cup, 2012)
Bradford City, then a fourth-tier club, knocked Arsenal out of the League Cup quarter-finals. Garry Thompson scored for Bradford before Thomas Vermaelen equalised late, but the home side prevailed in the penalty shootout.

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6. Oldham Athletic 3-2 Liverpool (FA Cup, 2013)
League One side Oldham Athletic stunned Liverpool despite the visitors featuring stars such as Luis Suarez, Raheem Sterling and Daniel Sturridge. Matt Smith scored twice, while Reece Wabara added another goal to secure a famous victory.

7. York City 3-0 Manchester United (League Cup, 1995)
York City stunned Manchester United with a commanding first-leg victory at Old Trafford. Paul Barnes scored twice and Tony Barras added a third. Despite United winning the return leg, York progressed 4-3 on aggregate.

8. Northampton Town 2-2 Liverpool (4-2 on penalties, League Cup, 2010)
Northampton Town pulled off a major upset at Anfield, holding Liverpool to a 2-2 draw before winning the penalty shootout. The League Two side demonstrated remarkable composure to eliminate their Premier League opponents.

9. Plymouth Argyle 1-0 Liverpool (FA Cup, 2025)
Plymouth Argyle eliminated Liverpool after Ryan Hardie’s second-half penalty secured a narrow victory. The Championship side defended resolutely to knock out a team that would go on to win the Premier League title that season.

10. Grimsby Town 2-2 Manchester United (12-11 on penalties, League Cup, 2025)
Grimsby Town delivered an astonishing upset against Manchester United. The League Two side raced into a 2-0 lead before United fought back to force penalties. After an extraordinary shootout, Grimsby eventually prevailed 12-11.

These historic results demonstrate why the FA Cup and League Cup remain so special.

Smaller clubs can overcome financial disadvantages, league positions and reputations to create unforgettable football moments.

From Hereford’s famous triumph in 1972 to more recent shocks involving Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United, English football continues to prove that no favourite is guaranteed victory.