Five of the most memorable FA Cup giant-killings

The FA Cup third round takes centre stage this week, presenting the potential for some big shocks. 

With top-flight clubs playing sides from the lower divisions and even some non-league teams being in the mix, there is the opportunity for plenty of surprises. 

Perhaps a minnow will do enough to permanently etch their name into folklore and rival some of the achievements that we have ranked among our greatest FA Cup giant-killings of all time. 

5. Chelsea 2-4 Bradford (January 2015)

With Jose Mourinho back at the helm for his second spell at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea won the Premier League and EFL Cup in 2014-15, making this fourth round FA Cup exit to Bradford a real shock. 

Not only were the Blues at home but they were also 2-0 up before the League One outfit produced an incredible comeback. 

Goals from Jon Stead, Filipe Morais, Andy Halliday and Mark Yeates saw the Bantams pull off an unforgettable victory. 

4. Wrexham 2-1 Arsenal (January 1992)

Arsenal has won the old First Division in the campaign previous to their trip to Wrexham in the 1991-92 season. 

There was no Hollywood money pumping through the Welsh club in those days and a predictable ending looked on the cards when George Graham's visitors took the lead through Alan Smith. 

Yet the fourth-tier side did possess the veteran star power of Mickey Thomas and his sensational free-kick levelled the scores before Steve Watkin gave the hosts the lead just two minutes later. 

3. Burnley 0-1 Lincoln (February 2017)

This relatively recent FA Cup giant-killing saw a Burnley side that were in the Premier League humiliated at home. 

Lincoln were in the National League at the time and had gone on a great FA Cup run, beating League One's Oldham and Championship sides Ipswich and Brighton to reach the last 16. 

Sean Raggett's 89-minute header saw the Imps claim their biggest scalp, making the Lincolnshire side the first non-league team to reach the FA Cup quarter-final in 103 years. 

2. Sutton United 2-1 Coventry (January 1989)

Coventry had won one of the most memorable FA Cup finals in history in 1987, so it was a major shock when they were defeated by a non-league outfit less than two years later. 

The Sky Blues were flying high in fifth place in the First Division and were expected to easily deal with the Conference side but went behind when Sutton skipper Tony Rains headed home. 

Coventry defender David Phillips equalised before self-employed bricklayer Matthew Hanlan volleyed home a winner. It was the first time a non-league team had defeated a First Division club in the FA Cup since 1975. 

1. Hereford 2-1 Newcastle (February 1972)

Thanks to the endless replays of the famous goal in this game, Hereford's victory against Newcastle arguably remains the most famous FA Cup giant-killing. 

The Southern League side set up a replay after drawing 2-2 at St James' Park. In the 82nd minute, it looked like the First Division team would progress, when Malcolm McDonald opened the scoring. 

Yet Ronnie Radford's long-range scorcher prompted a parka-clad pitch invasion at Edgar Street. An extra-time winner from substitute Ricky George would give Hereford a place in the fourth round.