Cupsets! Memorable FA Cup Replays Involving National League Clubs

By Steven Coney

AFC Fylde and Woking are both hoping to cause FA Cup upsets in their second round replays tonight.

They face difficult trips to Wigan Athletic and Peterborough United respectively but both will be confident of causing problems for their EFL opponents.

We’ve delved into the FA Cup archives and found some of the best replay victories involving National League clubs over the last ten years. Over to you, Fylde and Woking!

Brackley Town 4-3 Gillingham (First Round, 2016-17)

Gillingham fans must be sick of the sight of Brackley. After losing to the Saints in a first round replay back in 2013-14, the two clubs faced off again last season. Following a 2-2 draw at Priestfield, James Armson stole the show at St James Park. His hat-trick fired Brackley to a thrilling 4-3 victory after extra time.

Lincoln City 1-0 Ipswich Town (Third Round, 2016-17)

Although no longer with us in the National League, it’s hard to ignore Lincoln’s fantastic run last season. Their journey went all the way to the quarter-finals but they needed a replay victory in the third round. Nathan Arnold’s injury-time goal was enough to knock out Championship side Ipswich Town.

AFC Wimbledon 1-3 Sutton United (Third Round, 2016-17)

We were spoilt last season. Lincoln weren’t the only National League club doing themselves proud as Sutton United reached the fifth round where they put in a fantastic showing against Arsenal. Not many people fancied the U’s in their third round replay at AFC Wimbledon but late goals from Roarie Deacon, Maxime Biamou and Dan Fitchett stunned the Dons.

Aldershot Town 1-0 Portsmouth (First Round, 2014-15)

FA Cup winners in 2008, Portsmouth were forced to a first round replay in late 2014 by Aldershot Town following a 2-2 draw at Fratton Park. That was just the tip of the iceberg, however, as the Shots picked up a fantastic 1-0 win back at the Recreation Ground. Mark Molesley’s scrambled goal nine minutes from time was just enough.

Maidstone United 2-1 Stevenage (First Round, 2014-15)

This first round replay was creating history regardless of the result. The tie, played at the Gallagher Stadium, was the first ever game in the proper rounds of the FA Cup to be played on a 3G artificial surface. So it was fitting that Frannie Collin’s double caused an almighty shock to go along with it.

Peterborough United 2-3 Kidderminster Harriers (Third Round, 2013-14)

A club with previous in the FA Cup, Kidderminster created some modern memories in early 2014. With a trip to Premier League side Sunderland the incentive, Harriers were brilliant at Peterborough after a goalless draw at Aggborough. Michael Gash, Jac a Byrne and Joe Lolley helped to shock Posh.

Blyth Spartans 1-0 AFC Bournemouth (Second Round, 2008-09)

Another club with a rich history in the world’s oldest cup competition, Blyth Spartans set up a third round clash against Blackburn with a tight victory over AFC Bournemouth. The Cherries, then League Two strugglers, were deservedly beaten in front of a bumper Croft Park crowd as Ged Dalton’s late goal settled the tie.

Havant & Waterlooville 4-2 Swansea City (Third Round, 2007-08)

Havant’s fourth round game at Liverpool that season is one of the most memorable FA Cup ties in recent times. But only a fantastic victory against League One leaders Swansea City made that possible. A Garry Monk own goal put Havant in front and further strikes from Jamie Collins, Rocky Baptiste and Tom Jordan left the Swans stunned.


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