Wrexham scores biggest FA Cup upset of 3rd round
Non-league Wrexham stunned Coventry City on Saturday to progress to the fourth round of the FA Cup. The enthralling match was undoubtedly the biggest FA Cup shock of the weekend. Despite scoring four goals in the game, Wrexham only narrowly claimed victory.
Before the game, Ollie Palmer caused quite a stir when he suggested that National League team Wrexham were not exactly happy with the draw.
“Coventry isn’t very appealing to the lads to be honest,” proclaimed Palmer. “Either you want to leave a big Premier League club, or you are drawn at home. Everything in between in League One or Championship is a bit like: whatever.”
Red Dragons stun Coventry with 2 early goals
Wrexham jumped into a quick 2-0 lead after just 20 minutes on Saturday. Striker Sam Dalby headed in the first goal for the Wales side, while Elliot Lee doubled their lead six minutes later. Lee’s stunning shot may have been intended as a pass, but he’ll certainly say he meant it. Anyway, it was a fantastic goal from long range.
Coventry halved the visitors’ lead about 10 minutes before the break. Former Arsenal youth product Ben Sheaf scored his first goal of the current campaign for the Sky Blues. The midfielder fired past the Wrexham goalkeeper from the edge of the box with a solid, low blow.
However, Wrexham extended their lead to two with a goal just before the half-time whistle blew. After the ball bounced around the penalty area a few times, Tom O’Connor headed into the back of the net from just yards out.
Second half equally exciting
Wrexham scored their fourth and final goal of the game from the spot. Coventry’s Jonathan Panzo was sent off for blocking a shot in the penalty area with his arm. Paul Mullin converted from the spot to give Wrexham the 4–1 lead. Despite being a man down, the hosts fought to make it a very close match.
Coventry scored twice in seven minutes towards the end of the second half. Viktor Gyökeres scored an easy goal after a defensive mistake by Wrexham. Brilliant throughout the game, Kasey Palmer scored a superb free kick from just outside the box to make it 4-3.
The hosts had several solid chances in the dying moments to tie the game, but the Welsh club held on for victory. Wrexham will now have the chance to see who they face in the next round.
Wrexham FA Cup disrupted a dream come true for ESPN
At ESPN, executives and talent must have been happy with the victory in Wrexham. Wrexham has already boosted ESPN’s ratings for games in previous rounds. And now that the Welsh club is in the fourth round, the Red Dragons are sure to spark even more interest.
Welcome to Wrexham, the docuseries about Hulu, is a big hit in the United States. Based on last year’s success, the series has already been renewed for a second season. And surely footage of Wrexham’s FA Cup shock result against Coventry will find its way into the series.
The draw for the fourth round will take place on Sunday 8 January. It’s scheduled for 11:05 ET, before the game between Manchester City and Chelsea begins ESPN+.
Photo: IMAGO/PA Images
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