The FA Cup returned this weekend and after some fantastic games and surprising results, it once again proved why we love the competition!
The FA Cup is the oldest football competition in the world. It started back in 1871 and has given us some fantastic games over its 149 years. One thing that is associated with the FA Cup is an underdog win. As 736 teams enter the competition, there is bound to be an upset or a surprising win along the way.
Last weekend didn’t disappoint either. There were two games that were played in true FA Cup fashion, they were non-league Torquay United vs League Two Crawley Town and League One Wigan vs non-league Chorley.
Wigan Atheltic vs Chorley FC
Wigan hosted Chorley in what should have been a fairly straight forward win for the home side. They are three leagues above Chorley, who haven’t won a game all season and sit bottom of the National League North.
Wigan dominated from the start and were 2-0 up after 34 minutes. However, a 41st-minute red card for the home side saw the game turn. Chorley were now enjoying the majority of the possession and the fact they were 2-0 down meant they had to come out and play. The visitors got a goal back just after half time and levelled the score on the 60th minute. Chorley were now the side on top and took the game to extra time.
They then took the lead in the second minute of extra time through Connor Hall. A fantastic touch saw him take the ball around the Wigan goalkeeper and he then slotted it into the empty net. The non-league side heald on and recorded a famous win. They will now play 2008 winners Portsmouth in the next round of the competition.
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Torquay United vs Crawley Town
The game of the weekend was definitely this one. Crawley Town were the favourites for this one as they were a league above the hosts.
Torquay took an early lead and found themselves 2-0 up after 24 minutes. The home side heald on and took this lead into half time. In the second half, Torquay were looking to extend their lead but the game was spoilt when Crawleys goalkeeper was knocked unconscious. The game was stopped for 16 minutes meaning there would be a lengthy bit of added time.
Crawley pulled on back on the 83rd and equalised on the 90+14th minute, but Torquay restored their lead on the 90+18th minute. The game seemed over, but Crawley fought back again and equalised on the 90+21st minute and it went to extra time.
Torquay were awarded two penalties in extra time which captain Asa Hall converted to make it 5-3. Once again though Crawley didn’t give up and they scored on the 103rd, 113th and 118th minute to put themselves 6-5 up and give themselves a famous win in the 11 goal thriller!
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FA Cup 2020 Odds
Now, neither Crawley nor Chorley will be the favourites for this competition, but its the excitement of the FA Cup that lower league clubs love and the money of course!
The next round of fixtures take place on the weekend of the 28th November. This is the second round of the competition with the Premier Leauge clubs joining later on.
Man City are the favourites for this years competition having last won it six times and their last one coming in 2019. City and Pep like this competition and can field strong teams in it due to having such a big squad. They are priced at 3/1.
Chelsea are just behind City at 11/2. They were in the final last season but were beaten by Arsenal. Chelsea have eight FA Cups to their name, last winning it in 2018. The league may be too much this season for them but they will need to win a trophy considering how much Lampard spent this summer.
Liverpool are priced at 6/1 and are certainly good enough, it just depends on how they are getting on elsewhere. Klopp keeps it no secret that he’s not bothered about the competition in comparison to the Premier League and Champions League.
