Three Famous Non-League FA Cup Giant Killings

Just 84 days on from Manchester City's 6-0 demolition of Watford in the FA Cup final Jack Shonk scored the first goal of the 2019/2020 FA Cup as he sent Bexhill into an unexpected lead against Eastbourne in the extra preliminary round.
For a brief moment, Bexhill believed that they could add their name to a long list of giant-killers in the world's oldest cup competition. Unfortunately for the Southern Combination Division One side, that hope was short-lived as they succumbed to a 6-1 defeat.
Bexhill will have to wait at least another year before they can join this list of illustrious non-league clubs who have upset the football betting odds in the FA Cup…
February 5th, 1972: Hereford United 2 Newcastle United 1 – Third Round
For modern readers, it may be hard to believe, but at the time of this fixture, Newcastle United were one of the top teams in England. After a hugely disappointing 2-2 draw at home,0- the Magpies were forced to visit Edgar Street, home of fifth-tier Hereford United in this third-round replay.
Newcastle United legend Malcolm McDonald looked to have set his side on the way to victory until a moment of genius from Hereford icon Ronnie Radford. The midfielder took the game by the scruff of the neck, playing a neat one-two with his forward before rifling an unstoppable 30-yard effort into the back of the Newcastle net.
That goal sparked wild celebrations with fans pouring onto the pitch to share their jubilation with the players. Eventually, the pitch was cleared and Ricky George scored the winning goal for Hereford in extra-time.
The match was notable in that it was statistically the biggest giant-killing in the history of the cup due to the league standings of the two clubs. It also sparked the commentary career of a certain John Motson…
January 7th, 1989: Sutton United 2 Coventry City 1 – Third Round
The start of the Premier League in 1992 may have injected untold wealth into the English game, but it has certainly widened the chasm between the haves and the have-nots. Sutton United's scrappy 2-1 win over 1987 FA Cup winners Coventry remains the last time a team from non-league beat a top-flight side in the competition.
8,000 fans were packed into the stands at Ganders Green Lane to watch Tony Rains give the non-league side an unexpected lead toward the end of the first half. Coventry leveled proceedings 7 minutes into the second-half through Welsh defender David Phillips.
Somehow Sutton found an extra gear and regained the lead through Matthew Hanlan with half an hour to go. Despite their best efforts, Coventry couldn't find an answer to Sutton's stoic defence and the non-league side held on for a famous victory.
January 29th, 2017: Sutton United 1 Leeds United 0 – Fourth Round
Despite not quite being Premier League quality, Sutton United's opponents in this game were fighting it out for promotion from the Championship ahead of this visit. Leeds United manager Garry Monk took the ill-fated decision to rotate his squad for this cup clash, a choice he would go on to rue.
Sutton dominated from start to finish with their big-name opponents seemingly struggling to adapt to the artificial playing surface. Bustling forward Roarie Deacon forced Leeds' ‘keeper Silvesteri into a series of stunning saves before he appeared to have broken the deadlock.
Running onto a long ball Deacon expertly tucked the ball into the visitor's net, with his goal incorrectly being ruled out for offside. Sutton's endeavor was rewarded in the 53rd minute when they were awarded a spot-kick which James Collins converted with aplomb.
Leeds United's hopes of a late equaliser were scuppered when stand-in captain Liam Cooper was given his marching orders with little over 10 minutes remaining in the tie.