FA Cupsets: Third round magic

The FA Cup third round featured several replays this week, with many encounters seeing an expected result. Neither match was necessarily easy, but Liverpool’s victory at Home Park over Plymouth Argyle and Southampton’s win against Norwich City were both frustrating for the losing sides.

Each ended in a slender 1-0 final for the Premier League squads.

But the magic of the FA Cup was truly alive for two non-league clubs on Tuesday evening. Sutton United earned a 3-1 victory at AFC Wimbledon, while Lincoln City secured a dramatic and thrilling 1-0 triumph at home against Ipswich Town.

We take a look at the matches and what the two clubs can expect from their fourth-round opponents.

 

AFC Wimbledon 1 – Sutton United 3

It all began so well for Wimbledon, only to see the match spiral out of control in the second half. Tom Elliot’s goal in the tenth minute gave the Dons an early 1-0 advantage.

But Wimbledon centre-back Paul Robinson was sent off only moments later after a clumsy tackle on Sutton forward Matt Tubbs. Going down to ten men changed much of what manager Neal Ardley wanted to see from the League One side, and Wimbledon were unable to find the crucial second goal that may have carried them to a victory.

Roarie Deacon equalised in the 75th minute, with Maxime Biamou and Dan Fitchett both scoring in the final moments to secure a famous victory for the National League club and silence the home supporters. Wimbledon worked hard to keep the match and the lead in front of them, but were ultimately unable to keep pace with the constant pressure from a determined Sutton.

Sutton United now prepare for their fourth-round FA Cup match, as they will host Championship side Leeds United on the 29th of January. The challenge will be immense to advance, as Sutton will again require a disciplined and strong performance from their players.

 

Lincoln City 1 – Ipswich Town 0

A physical encounter was nearing its end, and another replay appeared to be on the cards for non-league Lincoln City and Championship side Ipswich Town. But in the 90th minute, Lincoln midfielder Nathan Arnold wrote his name into the history books with an incredible and spectacular goal to move the Imps into the FA Cup fourth round.

The sequence was mesmerising and appeared to happen in slow-motion. A free-kick for Ipswich had most of the players forward towards the Lincoln goal, aiming to find the late winner. But with little help at the back, the Blues’ plan went in the opposite direction.

Lincoln substitute Adam Marriott gained control of the ball after a deflection and sprinted past the centre circle. He turned an opposing defender magnificently and weighted a perfect pass to spring Arnold towards victory. A slick move past goalkeeper Dean Gerken and Arnold put away an electric goal that sent the home supporters into a wild celebration.

The match could have certainly gone the other way, and Ipswich will be disappointed with their missed opportunity. But it was a wonderful moment for both Lincoln City and the FA Cup itself.

Lincoln City will host Brighton & Hove Albion on the 28th of January, looking to advance to the fifth round with another incredible performance. Even if they do not succeed, Tuesday’s magical moment will certainly live on for years to come.