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

English football has witnessed numerous remarkable upsets where lower-league and non-league clubs have shocked established giants in the FA Cup and League Cup. Here are ten of the most memorable matches:

1. Hereford United defeated top-flight Newcastle United 2-1 in a third-round FA Cup replay in 1972. Ronnie Radford's long-range equalizer sent the match into extra time, after which substitute Ricky George scored the winning goal.

2. Wrexham stunned reigning league champions Arsenal 2-1 in the FA Cup in 1992. Mickey Thomas scored a memorable free-kick, and Steve Watkin netted the winner for Wrexham in extra time.

3. Sutton United shocked Coventry City, who had won the FA Cup just two years earlier, 2-1 in the third round of the FA Cup in 1989. Matthew Hanlan scored the decisive goal.

4. Bradford City staged a stunning comeback against Chelsea 4-2 in the FA Cup in 2015. Goals from Jon Stead, Filipe Morais, Andy Halliday, and Mark Yeates eliminated the Premier League leaders after a 2-0 deficit.

5. Bradford City narrowly defeated Arsenal 1-1 in the League Cup quarter-finals in 2012, winning 3-2 on penalties. Garry Thompson scored for Bradford, and Thomas Vermaelen equalized late for Arsenal.

6. Oldham Athletic stunned Liverpool 3-2 in the FA Cup in 2013. Matt Smith scored twice, and Reece Wabara added another goal despite Liverpool featuring stars like Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge.

7. York City stunned Manchester United 3-0 in the League Cup in 1995. Paul Barnes scored twice, and Tony Barras added a third. York progressed 4-3 on aggregate despite Manchester United winning the return leg.

8. Northampton Town pulled off a major upset at Anfield, holding Liverpool to a 2-2 draw before winning the penalty shootout 4-2 in the League Cup in 2010.

9. Plymouth Argyle eliminated Liverpool 1-0 in the FA Cup in 2025. Ryan Hardie's second-half penalty secured the narrow victory, with Plymouth defending resolutely.

10. Grimsby Town delivered an astonishing upset against Manchester United 12-11 on penalties in the League Cup in 2025. After racing into a 2-0 lead, Manchester United fought back to force penalties. Grimsby eventually prevailed 12-11 in the shootout.