Greatest FA Cup Third Round Upsets
STANDING proudly as one of the country’s most recognisable events, the FA Cup is celebrated traditionally as being the jewel in the English football calendar.
Traditions dating back from the competition’s inception in the 1871 still run to this day, and arguably the cup’s finest moment is the third round draw when those who have travelled from far and wide to take on qualifying rounds and preliminaries earn their reward by having the opportunity to face off against the country’s top teams.
Such fairytale settings as ‘giants’ vs. ‘minnows’ have created the cup’s legacy over the years, and this continues to be added to by each passing season. Several lower or non-League club’s most historic moment can be developed by simply being drawn out against a Manchester United or a Liverpool in the traditional third round weekend.
To reminisce somewhat this Starting Eleven provides you with a number of notable third-round shocks which have been written into the history books over the years….
1992 – Wrexham Vs Arsenal
At the beginning of the 90’s, Arsenal were riding high after winning the title in both 1989 and 1991. The reigning champions headed to Wales for an FA Cup 3rd round tie against Wrexham, who sat bottom of the Fourth Division. On a boggy pitch at the Racecourse Ground, Arsenal went ahead when Alan Smith scored what looked like being the winner with ten minutes to go. Wrexham refused to give up however, and Mickey Thomas scored a screaming free kick past England goalkeeper David Seaman. Heading back to Highbury for a replay the Welsh side would have been delighted, but they sent their supporters into raptures minutes from the end when Steve Watkin scored the winner, and sent the club through to the fourth round.
1972 – Hereford United Vs Newcastle
Being held to a draw was enough of a shock to those in the North East, but few expected there to be a second upset when the two sides played out a replay at Edgar Street in Hereford. Three postponements down the line, the sides finally met with the home side hoping to become the first non-league side since 1949 to eliminate opposition from the top flight.
Newcastle went ahead in the 82nd minute then ‘Super Mac’ Malcolm Macdonald scored a header to seemingly end all chances of a shock. Determined not to bow out of the competition after entering at the fourth qualifying round way back in September, and in just three minutes some of the most endearing images of FA Cup history was created. The ball dropped to Hereford midfielder Ronnie Radford 25-yards out and the midfielder stuck a blistering shot into the top corner, sending the match into extra time.
The top flight side looked shell-shocked after conceding a late goal and allowed a second goal in the 103rd minute of the match when substitute Ricky George avoided the challenge of Bobby Moncur and slotted the ball past Willy McFaul. The goal sparked a pitch invasion and in the second half of extra time Newcastle’s players were unable to respond leading to one of the greatest shocks of all time.
1984 – Bournemouth Vs Manchester United
Holders Manchester United headed to Bournemouth’s Dean Court, hoping to avoid the igmony of a defeat lower league opposition after losing to Oxford United at the same stage of the 1984 Milk Cup. The Cherries manager, one Harry Redknapp’s, promised to give the first division side a tough game despite being bottom of the Football League.
United, boasting the likes of Frank Stapleton, Bryan Robson and Norman Whiteside, were unable to handle Bournemouth's attacking play in the first half and were totally outplayed in the second when the Cherries did the majority of their damage.
A 15,000 strong crowd were on their feet early in the second period when Gary Bailey made a huge mistake to allow the ball to slip through his hand with Milton Graham applying the close range finish. Four minutes later Bournemouth were 2-0 up when Ian Thompson provided a second goal put Redknapp’s side through to the fourth round.
1989 – Sutton United Vs Coventry City
FA Cup winners in 1987, Coventry City travelled to Sutton United in the third round of the FA Cup in 1989 to take on the non-league side at Gander Green Lane in London. Despite a partisan crowd of 8,000 packed into the Borough Sports Ground, little was expected from Sutton as they faced off against one of the better sides in the first division. Boasting the talents of Cyrille Regis, Steve Ogrizovic and Trevor Peake, Coventry were shocked to go behind after a goal from captain Sutton’s Tony Rains just before half time.
The Sky Blues responded after he break following an ear bashing by their manager John Sillett, and they soon found themselves back in the game after a goal from David Phillips in the 52nd minute. Just as normal order seemed to have been restored, Sutton hit back and took control of the game before the hour mark when midfielder Hanlan’s goal set up a franetic finish.
Despite their goal being bombarded by wave after wave of attack, much to Coventry’s surprise Sutton held out to the end of the tie, and celebrated a famous victory after the game with their fans. To date this remains the last time a non-league side defeated a team from the top division in English football.
2003 – Shrewsbury Town Vs Everton
Premier League Everton had established themselves as a consistent top-flight side when they faced off against Shrewsbury Town in January of the 2003.
The home side were severely lacking confidence after being beaten 6-0 by Boston United, and 5-1 against Rushden and Diamonds, whilst Everton sat 5th in the Premiership and heading towards European football at the end of the campaign.
The Toffees side was a very strong one naming the likes of Richard Wright, Thomas Gravesen and Wayne Rooney in their starting line-up whilst the Shrews most famous name was Nigel Gemson, a player whose performance would have a large bearing on the game.
The former Forest striker helped his side torment the Everton back four and just before the break he smashed a free kick through the wall and into the top corner to give his side a 1-0 lead.
The Shrews came out with a determined attitude in the second half and had a decent claim for a penalty when striker Rodgers seemed to be brought down by Clarke, the referee however decided not to award a penalty. The non-decision seemed to shake the home side, and Dunbavin was the architect of the Shrews downfall when his weak clearance fell straight to Gemill who slid through to Alexanderson for the equaliser.
The ninety minutes were almost up, and both sides seemed to be settling for a replay at Goodison Park. Shrewsbury had other ideas however and when they were awarded a free kick thirty yards out Woan whipped the ball in from the right hand side, and rising highest at the near post was Jemsson to score a header from close range sparking scenes of jubilation amongst their supporters.
1959 – Worcester City Vs Liverpool
As a Southern League side in the late 1950’s Worcester City had already gained a reputation as giant killers after a 5-2 victory against fourth division Millwall in the second round. Their reward was a third round meeting with the mighty Liverpool at St George’s Lane in January. Initial attempts to play the game were thwarted due to a frozen pitch, but a re-arranged midweek kick off still managed to create great excitement, and draw a crowd of around 15,000.
Despite their reputation, Liverpool were still in Division Two pushing for the top flight, but the gap between the sides meant that many considered the reds more than capable of dispatching their opponents without much effort.
With just nine minutes played however Worcester’s 18-year-old Tommy Skuse turned the ball past Liverpool keeper Tommy Younger from inside the area to give his side a 1-0 lead.
The Reds tried to fight back before half but they were thwarted by a strong and organized defence which allowed Worcester to go into the break a goal up.
As Liverpool became more and more desperate they started to push more and more players forward, a tactic which eventually left them exposed at the back. Surprisingly the next goal in the match came from the Fourth Division side as in the 81st minute they were pushed closer to victory by a Dick White own goal. Attempting to clear his lines the defender lobbed his keeper and put Liverpool on the verge of elimination.
Geoff Twentyman reduced the arrears for Liverpool with a penalty but it wasn’t enough to help his side avoid arguably their most embarrassing defeat in the clubs history. The defeat turned out to be a crushing blow for Liverpool Football Club and manager Phil Taylor who was sacked just days later.
2005 – Manchester United Vs Exeter City
Lowly Exeter City headed to glamorous Old Trafford in 2005 to face off against a Manchester United side looking to defend the FA Cup that they had won in Cardiff’s Millenium Stadium against Championship Millwall the previous season.
Whilst United were romping through all comers in the Premiership and doing battle with Chelsea, they decided that name a somewhat reserve side to face off against a team who were four tiers below them in the football pyramid.
There was still strength in the United side, and most assumed that this game would be a forgone conclusion.
Exeter were more than equal to United’s superior quality in the first half, and almost looked comfortable when the Red Devils pushed forward. In the second period, United, hoping to avoid an embarrassing result brought on Ronaldo and Scholes, but still they were unable to breakthrough the Exeter backline.
United fan Dean Moxey, playing in midfield for Exeter dragged a shot narrowly wide, and Taylor also hit the side netting before the end. United’s only threat in the second half came from a David Bellion free kick which was well saved by Paul Jones. Before the end of the game, Jones was called into action twice more, once by Wes Brown, whose header was cleared off the line, and five minutes from time by Ronaldo who saw his shot spectacularly saved by Jones who won the man of the match award and celebrated a famous result at the final whistle.
1991 – West Brom Vs Woking
Midlands side West Brom hosted Diadora League side Woking in the third round of the 1991 FA Cup and were heavy favourites to do so as they too a break from league action at the Hawthorns. The Baggies were in the second division when they faced off against the non-leaguers but were struggling under Brian Talbot.
Despite the huge odds against their side, as many as 5,000 Woking fans travelled north for the game, and in the first half events unfolded exactly as the watching public expected it would.
West Brom dominated from minute one to minute forty-five and took a 1-0 lead into the break. Moving into the second half it seemed as if their lead would only be extended before the end of the game.
Enter Gibraltarian native Tim Buzaglo who tipped the balance in his side’s favour after a superb and unexpected hat-trick which rocked West Brom to their core. The first was a superb curling effort from the edge of the box, and was quickly followed by a second which saw Buzaglo reacted quickly to a loose ball in the area. With West Brom rocked by the turn around in the score line, Woking refused to settle for a one goal lead, and continued to attack in an attempt to score a third goal.
They were rewarded for their positive attitude when a good move saw the ball fall to Adie Cowler on the edge of the penalty area, and he fed Buzaglo who finished with great accuracy past the goalkeeper. Substitute Terry Worsfold made if four late on and despite a consolation goal from West Brom, their fans could do little but applaud the performance of their opponents on the day.
Geoff Chapple lead his side off the pitch to a standing ovation as Baggies scratched their heads in disbelief as to how the lowly side had managed to cause such a historic shock.
2010 – Manchester United Vs Leeds United
Eager to put behind them a half decade hiatus from the top flight, Leeds United arrived at a familiar ground in January of 2010 to take on the Red Devils of Manchester United. Having never before lost a third round FA Cup tie, Alex Ferguson was confident that his team would be able to defeat a side who were forty-two places below them in league football, but that was far from the case, and one which was suffering a wobble in their push for promotion.
Leeds were brave from the outset attacking Manchester United, and roared on by 9,000 enthusiastic supporters, the Yorkshire side took the lead in the 19th minute when Beckford broke through and steered the ball past Kuszak in the United goal. Despite their lead, the League One side had no intention of sitting back and defending their advantage. Pushing forward before half time Leeds almost scored a second when Becchio headed an inviting cross just wide of the United goal.
Boasting the talents of Rooney, Berbatov and Giggs, Man Utd were not short of attacking options. Everything they threw at Leeds however was repelled by the well-organised Yorkshire defence, and more often than not, the Whites were able to cut out the danger before their goalkeeper, Ankergren, came under threat. When United did beat the Leeds stopper with their best effort of the half, defender Jason Crowe was on hand to clear the ball off the line and prevent Michael Owen from scoring.
United continued to pour forward in the final moments, and despite a few nervous goal mouth scrambles Leeds picked up their first win at Old Trafford since 1981, and went through to round four to face more Premiership opposition in Spurs.
2008 – Havant and Waterlooville Vs Swansea
Non-League side, Havant and Waterlooville were little known outside their postal area before their 2008 clash with Welsh side Swansea, but ninety minutes of football went some way to putting them on the map.
Swansea, pushing for promotion to the Championship under Robert Martinez, were blessed with the likes of Darren Pratley and Jason Scotland, but not to be outdone at their own ground, Havant’s supporters were packed in for the biggest game in the club’s history.
Immediately the Swans were on the back-foot and before they knew it, an own goal by Gary Monk had put them behind. A second goal from Jamie Collins and a third from Rocky Baptiste before half time put the non-leaguers in sight of a famous shock. Swansea’s Championship class began to tell just before the break however as Guillem Bauza pegged one back for his side and then Leon Brittan had the chance to pull the League One side even closer with a penalty. His spot kick was missed, but moments after half time Jason Scotland put Swansea back in with a good chance of at least earning a replay.
Just as it seemed that the league side were going to be part of a dramatic comeback, Tom Jordan’s header eased Havant back ahead to the delight of Westleigh Park and as the final whistle blew supporters flocked onto the pitch to celebrate a famous 4-2 victory and earn a fourth round tie with Liverpool.
1933 – Walsall Vs Arsenal
Arsenal’s dominance in the 1930’s saw them win four titles in five years under Herbert Chapman, but in the still very early stages of the FA Cup, the Gunners took their top-flight abilities to Walsall to face off against a side languishing at the bottom of the third division south in English football.
Although Arsenal were considered the best team in the country at the time, they could to little about Walsall’s resolute defending in the first period and both sides had to settle for a goalless first half of play. In the second period, Walsall, presumably undaunted having held their opponents scoreless, took the game to their illustrious opponents. Their deserving reward was the opening goal through Gilbert Alsop before midfielder Shepherd added a second via a penalty to win the game for his team.
Arsenal manager Chapman was so infuriated by the performance of left-back Tommy Black, the player who gave away the penalty, that he banned the defender from the club’s training ground and arranged for him to be transferred immediately after the embarrassing defeat.
Such fairytale settings as ‘giants’ vs. ‘minnows’ have created the cup’s legacy over the years, and this continues to be added to by each passing season. Several lower or non-League club’s most historic moment can be developed by simply being drawn out against a Manchester United or a Liverpool in the traditional third round weekend.
To reminisce somewhat this Starting Eleven provides you with a number of notable third-round shocks which have been written into the history books over the years….
1992 – Wrexham Vs Arsenal
At the beginning of the 90’s, Arsenal were riding high after winning the title in both 1989 and 1991. The reigning champions headed to Wales for an FA Cup 3rd round tie against Wrexham, who sat bottom of the Fourth Division. On a boggy pitch at the Racecourse Ground, Arsenal went ahead when Alan Smith scored what looked like being the winner with ten minutes to go. Wrexham refused to give up however, and Mickey Thomas scored a screaming free kick past England goalkeeper David Seaman. Heading back to Highbury for a replay the Welsh side would have been delighted, but they sent their supporters into raptures minutes from the end when Steve Watkin scored the winner, and sent the club through to the fourth round.
1972 – Hereford United Vs Newcastle
Being held to a draw was enough of a shock to those in the North East, but few expected there to be a second upset when the two sides played out a replay at Edgar Street in Hereford. Three postponements down the line, the sides finally met with the home side hoping to become the first non-league side since 1949 to eliminate opposition from the top flight.
Newcastle went ahead in the 82nd minute then ‘Super Mac’ Malcolm Macdonald scored a header to seemingly end all chances of a shock. Determined not to bow out of the competition after entering at the fourth qualifying round way back in September, and in just three minutes some of the most endearing images of FA Cup history was created. The ball dropped to Hereford midfielder Ronnie Radford 25-yards out and the midfielder stuck a blistering shot into the top corner, sending the match into extra time.
The top flight side looked shell-shocked after conceding a late goal and allowed a second goal in the 103rd minute of the match when substitute Ricky George avoided the challenge of Bobby Moncur and slotted the ball past Willy McFaul. The goal sparked a pitch invasion and in the second half of extra time Newcastle’s players were unable to respond leading to one of the greatest shocks of all time.
1984 – Bournemouth Vs Manchester United
Holders Manchester United headed to Bournemouth’s Dean Court, hoping to avoid the igmony of a defeat lower league opposition after losing to Oxford United at the same stage of the 1984 Milk Cup. The Cherries manager, one Harry Redknapp’s, promised to give the first division side a tough game despite being bottom of the Football League.
United, boasting the likes of Frank Stapleton, Bryan Robson and Norman Whiteside, were unable to handle Bournemouth's attacking play in the first half and were totally outplayed in the second when the Cherries did the majority of their damage.
A 15,000 strong crowd were on their feet early in the second period when Gary Bailey made a huge mistake to allow the ball to slip through his hand with Milton Graham applying the close range finish. Four minutes later Bournemouth were 2-0 up when Ian Thompson provided a second goal put Redknapp’s side through to the fourth round.
1989 – Sutton United Vs Coventry City
FA Cup winners in 1987, Coventry City travelled to Sutton United in the third round of the FA Cup in 1989 to take on the non-league side at Gander Green Lane in London. Despite a partisan crowd of 8,000 packed into the Borough Sports Ground, little was expected from Sutton as they faced off against one of the better sides in the first division. Boasting the talents of Cyrille Regis, Steve Ogrizovic and Trevor Peake, Coventry were shocked to go behind after a goal from captain Sutton’s Tony Rains just before half time.
The Sky Blues responded after he break following an ear bashing by their manager John Sillett, and they soon found themselves back in the game after a goal from David Phillips in the 52nd minute. Just as normal order seemed to have been restored, Sutton hit back and took control of the game before the hour mark when midfielder Hanlan’s goal set up a franetic finish.
Despite their goal being bombarded by wave after wave of attack, much to Coventry’s surprise Sutton held out to the end of the tie, and celebrated a famous victory after the game with their fans. To date this remains the last time a non-league side defeated a team from the top division in English football.
2003 – Shrewsbury Town Vs Everton
Premier League Everton had established themselves as a consistent top-flight side when they faced off against Shrewsbury Town in January of the 2003.
The home side were severely lacking confidence after being beaten 6-0 by Boston United, and 5-1 against Rushden and Diamonds, whilst Everton sat 5th in the Premiership and heading towards European football at the end of the campaign.
The Toffees side was a very strong one naming the likes of Richard Wright, Thomas Gravesen and Wayne Rooney in their starting line-up whilst the Shrews most famous name was Nigel Gemson, a player whose performance would have a large bearing on the game.
The former Forest striker helped his side torment the Everton back four and just before the break he smashed a free kick through the wall and into the top corner to give his side a 1-0 lead.
The Shrews came out with a determined attitude in the second half and had a decent claim for a penalty when striker Rodgers seemed to be brought down by Clarke, the referee however decided not to award a penalty. The non-decision seemed to shake the home side, and Dunbavin was the architect of the Shrews downfall when his weak clearance fell straight to Gemill who slid through to Alexanderson for the equaliser.
The ninety minutes were almost up, and both sides seemed to be settling for a replay at Goodison Park. Shrewsbury had other ideas however and when they were awarded a free kick thirty yards out Woan whipped the ball in from the right hand side, and rising highest at the near post was Jemsson to score a header from close range sparking scenes of jubilation amongst their supporters.
1959 – Worcester City Vs Liverpool
As a Southern League side in the late 1950’s Worcester City had already gained a reputation as giant killers after a 5-2 victory against fourth division Millwall in the second round. Their reward was a third round meeting with the mighty Liverpool at St George’s Lane in January. Initial attempts to play the game were thwarted due to a frozen pitch, but a re-arranged midweek kick off still managed to create great excitement, and draw a crowd of around 15,000.
Despite their reputation, Liverpool were still in Division Two pushing for the top flight, but the gap between the sides meant that many considered the reds more than capable of dispatching their opponents without much effort.
With just nine minutes played however Worcester’s 18-year-old Tommy Skuse turned the ball past Liverpool keeper Tommy Younger from inside the area to give his side a 1-0 lead.
The Reds tried to fight back before half but they were thwarted by a strong and organized defence which allowed Worcester to go into the break a goal up.
As Liverpool became more and more desperate they started to push more and more players forward, a tactic which eventually left them exposed at the back. Surprisingly the next goal in the match came from the Fourth Division side as in the 81st minute they were pushed closer to victory by a Dick White own goal. Attempting to clear his lines the defender lobbed his keeper and put Liverpool on the verge of elimination.
Geoff Twentyman reduced the arrears for Liverpool with a penalty but it wasn’t enough to help his side avoid arguably their most embarrassing defeat in the clubs history. The defeat turned out to be a crushing blow for Liverpool Football Club and manager Phil Taylor who was sacked just days later.
2005 – Manchester United Vs Exeter City
Lowly Exeter City headed to glamorous Old Trafford in 2005 to face off against a Manchester United side looking to defend the FA Cup that they had won in Cardiff’s Millenium Stadium against Championship Millwall the previous season.
Whilst United were romping through all comers in the Premiership and doing battle with Chelsea, they decided that name a somewhat reserve side to face off against a team who were four tiers below them in the football pyramid.
There was still strength in the United side, and most assumed that this game would be a forgone conclusion.
Exeter were more than equal to United’s superior quality in the first half, and almost looked comfortable when the Red Devils pushed forward. In the second period, United, hoping to avoid an embarrassing result brought on Ronaldo and Scholes, but still they were unable to breakthrough the Exeter backline.
United fan Dean Moxey, playing in midfield for Exeter dragged a shot narrowly wide, and Taylor also hit the side netting before the end. United’s only threat in the second half came from a David Bellion free kick which was well saved by Paul Jones. Before the end of the game, Jones was called into action twice more, once by Wes Brown, whose header was cleared off the line, and five minutes from time by Ronaldo who saw his shot spectacularly saved by Jones who won the man of the match award and celebrated a famous result at the final whistle.
1991 – West Brom Vs Woking
Midlands side West Brom hosted Diadora League side Woking in the third round of the 1991 FA Cup and were heavy favourites to do so as they too a break from league action at the Hawthorns. The Baggies were in the second division when they faced off against the non-leaguers but were struggling under Brian Talbot.
Despite the huge odds against their side, as many as 5,000 Woking fans travelled north for the game, and in the first half events unfolded exactly as the watching public expected it would.
West Brom dominated from minute one to minute forty-five and took a 1-0 lead into the break. Moving into the second half it seemed as if their lead would only be extended before the end of the game.
Enter Gibraltarian native Tim Buzaglo who tipped the balance in his side’s favour after a superb and unexpected hat-trick which rocked West Brom to their core. The first was a superb curling effort from the edge of the box, and was quickly followed by a second which saw Buzaglo reacted quickly to a loose ball in the area. With West Brom rocked by the turn around in the score line, Woking refused to settle for a one goal lead, and continued to attack in an attempt to score a third goal.
They were rewarded for their positive attitude when a good move saw the ball fall to Adie Cowler on the edge of the penalty area, and he fed Buzaglo who finished with great accuracy past the goalkeeper. Substitute Terry Worsfold made if four late on and despite a consolation goal from West Brom, their fans could do little but applaud the performance of their opponents on the day.
Geoff Chapple lead his side off the pitch to a standing ovation as Baggies scratched their heads in disbelief as to how the lowly side had managed to cause such a historic shock.
2010 – Manchester United Vs Leeds United
Eager to put behind them a half decade hiatus from the top flight, Leeds United arrived at a familiar ground in January of 2010 to take on the Red Devils of Manchester United. Having never before lost a third round FA Cup tie, Alex Ferguson was confident that his team would be able to defeat a side who were forty-two places below them in league football, but that was far from the case, and one which was suffering a wobble in their push for promotion.
Leeds were brave from the outset attacking Manchester United, and roared on by 9,000 enthusiastic supporters, the Yorkshire side took the lead in the 19th minute when Beckford broke through and steered the ball past Kuszak in the United goal. Despite their lead, the League One side had no intention of sitting back and defending their advantage. Pushing forward before half time Leeds almost scored a second when Becchio headed an inviting cross just wide of the United goal.
Boasting the talents of Rooney, Berbatov and Giggs, Man Utd were not short of attacking options. Everything they threw at Leeds however was repelled by the well-organised Yorkshire defence, and more often than not, the Whites were able to cut out the danger before their goalkeeper, Ankergren, came under threat. When United did beat the Leeds stopper with their best effort of the half, defender Jason Crowe was on hand to clear the ball off the line and prevent Michael Owen from scoring.
United continued to pour forward in the final moments, and despite a few nervous goal mouth scrambles Leeds picked up their first win at Old Trafford since 1981, and went through to round four to face more Premiership opposition in Spurs.
2008 – Havant and Waterlooville Vs Swansea
Non-League side, Havant and Waterlooville were little known outside their postal area before their 2008 clash with Welsh side Swansea, but ninety minutes of football went some way to putting them on the map.
Swansea, pushing for promotion to the Championship under Robert Martinez, were blessed with the likes of Darren Pratley and Jason Scotland, but not to be outdone at their own ground, Havant’s supporters were packed in for the biggest game in the club’s history.
Immediately the Swans were on the back-foot and before they knew it, an own goal by Gary Monk had put them behind. A second goal from Jamie Collins and a third from Rocky Baptiste before half time put the non-leaguers in sight of a famous shock. Swansea’s Championship class began to tell just before the break however as Guillem Bauza pegged one back for his side and then Leon Brittan had the chance to pull the League One side even closer with a penalty. His spot kick was missed, but moments after half time Jason Scotland put Swansea back in with a good chance of at least earning a replay.
Just as it seemed that the league side were going to be part of a dramatic comeback, Tom Jordan’s header eased Havant back ahead to the delight of Westleigh Park and as the final whistle blew supporters flocked onto the pitch to celebrate a famous 4-2 victory and earn a fourth round tie with Liverpool.
1933 – Walsall Vs Arsenal
Arsenal’s dominance in the 1930’s saw them win four titles in five years under Herbert Chapman, but in the still very early stages of the FA Cup, the Gunners took their top-flight abilities to Walsall to face off against a side languishing at the bottom of the third division south in English football.
Although Arsenal were considered the best team in the country at the time, they could to little about Walsall’s resolute defending in the first period and both sides had to settle for a goalless first half of play. In the second period, Walsall, presumably undaunted having held their opponents scoreless, took the game to their illustrious opponents. Their deserving reward was the opening goal through Gilbert Alsop before midfielder Shepherd added a second via a penalty to win the game for his team.
Arsenal manager Chapman was so infuriated by the performance of left-back Tommy Black, the player who gave away the penalty, that he banned the defender from the club’s training ground and arranged for him to be transferred immediately after the embarrassing defeat.