The greatest FA Cup shocks as Plymouth pull the rug on high-flying Liverpool

There have been many giant-killing acts in the history of the competition.

Plymouth downed all-conquering Liverpool 1-0 at Home Park on Sunday as the Premier League pace-setters found themselves dumped out of the FA Cup by the Sky Bet Championship’s bottom team.

Here, the PA news agency looks back on some other celebrated giant-killing acts.

Blyth Spartans 3 Stoke 2 (1978)

A famous upset for Northern League side Blyth Spartans as they handed Stoke an early exit in the fourth round. Despite Terry Johnson’s early opener, Stoke pulled two goals back, but Steve Carney equalised and Johnson lashed home a winner at the death. The win set up a fifth-round meeting with Wrexham, who beat them in a replay at St James’ Park.

Crawley 3 Leeds 0 (2021)

Crawley Town’s Jordan Tunnicliffe (centre) scores his side’s third goal of the game during the Emirates FA Cup third round match at the People’s Pension Stadium, Crawley. — Crawley secured a memorable win over Leeds four years ago (Adam Davy/PA)

Hereford 2 Newcastle 1 (1972)

Ronnie Radford (left) and Ricky George (right) after their goals for non-league Hereford upset Newcastle in 1972. — Hereford heroes Ronnie Radford (left) and Ricky George (right). (PA Archive)

Sutton 2 Coventry 1 (1989)

Matthew Hanlan scores for Sutton in a famous FA Cup upset over Coventry. — Sutton’s Matthew Hanlan (11) scores in a shock win over Coventry (PA Archive/PA)

Wrexham 2 Arsenal 1 (1992)

The Gunners were the reigning league champions, Wrexham were bottom of the old fourth division – there was only going to be one result at the Racecourse Ground. Arsenal had taken the lead through Alan Smith in the third-round clash but with 10 minutes to go, 37-year-old Mickey Thomas unleashed a 20-yard free-kick past David Seaman for the equaliser. The Welsh side could sense an upset and Steve Watkin popped up late on to score the winner and send their illustrious opponents crashing out.

Cambridge 1 Newcastle 0 (2022)

Cambridge United’s Joe Ironside (hidden) celebrates scoring their side’s first goal of the game with Ben Wormann and team-mates during the Emirates FA Cup third round match at St. James’ Park, Newcastle upon Tyne. Picture date: Saturday January 8, 2022. — Cambridge’s Joe Ironside enjoyed his winning effort against Newcastle (Owen Humphreys/PA)

Wycombe 2 Leicester 1 (2001)

Wycombe Wanderers’ goalscorers Paul McCarthy (left) and Roy Essandoh celebrate victory after the final whistle in the FA Cup sixth round match at Filbert Street, Leicester. — Roy Essandoh, left, and Paul McCarthy, right, enjoyed the moment after downing Leicester (David Davies/PA)

Maidstone 2 Ipswich 1

Maidstone United’s Sam Corne celebrates with the fans as the team celebrates the win after the Emirates FA Cup fourth round match at Portman Road. — Sam Corne shared an unforgettable result with Maidstone’s fans (Joe Giddens/PA)