The Giant Killers
The Giant Killers
The Giant Killers
The most comprehensive guide to FA cup Giant Killing on the Internet
2020 F A Cup 4th Round
West Brom have been on the wrong end of cupsets
three times against West Ham, in 1913, 1933 and 1980.
This year it's their turn with a minor revenge, ranked
749th.
In round three Tranmere pull off the biggest surprise
of this year when beating Watford 1-0 in extra time in a
replay, having been three down in the first game. The
tie ranks 202nd.
So what's the biggest cup shock of all time?
How come Hereford beating Newcastle in 1972 always rates higher in Giant Killing polls than Wimbledon winning at Burnley three years later? While Wimbledon and Hereford were comparable teams, Burnley 1975 and Newcastle 1972 were polls apart. The former was pushing hard for the title and was at home, the latter was closer to the relegation battle and playing away. A more cynical judge might think that TV footage has a part to play. Bob Lord wouldn't let a TV camera anywhere near Turf Moor while Hereford set the bench mark for Giant Killing requirements.
So how can you honestly rank the greatest Giant Killings of all time unless you have all the Giant Killings to chose from? This site is the first on the internet to measure over seven hundred occasions when a top flight team has lost to lower division opponents. Added to that are the games where Non-League teams have beaten second tier opponents since the Third Division was formed just after the Great War.
The result is this site, which took every one of those games and rated each one against the team's league positions, recent history and what calibre of player was on the pitch. It's the most scientific examination of Giant Killing on the Internet and, for good measure, does throw up the debate that there's great Giant Killing's out there that don't get the merit they deserve. Check out the list below.