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FA Cup Giant-Killings: Non-League History

BBC Sport •
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Crystal Palace joined an exclusive, painful club this week. The Premier League side crashed out of the FA Cup to a non-league opponent, becoming the ninth top-flight team to suffer such a humiliating defeat in the past century. This result immediately reignites the perennial debate about the gulf between England's elite and its grassroots clubs, a rivalry that defines this historic competition.

These giant-killings are the very soul of the tournament. For lower-league minnows, a lucrative home draw against a household name offers a financial lifeline and a chance to etch their names into folklore. For the giants, it represents a stark reminder that form and wages mean little when passion and pride are on the line in a one-off cup tie.

While Palace's exit is fresh, it follows a tradition of famous upsets. Fans will immediately recall Sutton United's victory over Coventry City or Woking stunning West Bromwich Albion. These matches aren't just embarrassing statistics; they become defining moments for the smaller clubs and a source of enduring pride for their communities.

The quiz challenge now is to name every non-league side that has pulled off this feat against a top-flight opponent. It's a tough test of memory for any dedicated football fan. These historic giant-killings are rare but precious events that reinforce the magic of the cup and the dream that any team can beat any other on the day.