How Hawks’ memorable FA Cup win against Swansea compares to other great upsets of the last 25 years

Hawks’ third round replay win over Swansea City is the sixth biggest FA Cup shock in the last 25 years based on the league positions of the clubs involved.
By Simon Carter
Published 22nd Jan 2021, 09:23 BST
Hawks celebrate after beating Swansea City at Westleigh Park in 2008 - based on league positions, one of the biggest shocks in the competition in the last 25 years. Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images.Hawks celebrate after beating Swansea City at Westleigh Park in 2008 - based on league positions, one of the biggest shocks in the competition in the last 25 years. Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images.
Hawks celebrate after beating Swansea City at Westleigh Park in 2008 - based on league positions, one of the biggest shocks in the competition in the last 25 years. Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images.

Hawks famously defeated the Welsh club 4-2 at Westleigh Park in January 2008 to set up a dream trip to Anfield.

At the end of that season, there were 78 places between Shaun Gale’s Conference South outfit and League 1 winners Swansea.

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Hawks did hold fifth place in the list prior to National League North Chorley knocking out Championship club Derby County in the third round earlier this month.

At the time, Hawks’ win against Swansea was the second biggest shock based on league placings - only Shrewsbury’s third round victory over Everton in 2003 - 85 places - was bigger.

Chorley will jump into top spot in the giantkillers list if they can beat a Wolves team who currently lie 111 places higher in the footballing pyramid.

Click on the graphic pictured to see the gaps between the teams in the top FA Cup shocks of the last quarter of a century.

Related topics:SwanseaDerby CountyLeague 1National LeagueShaun Gale