Wrexham scores biggest FA Cup upset of 3rd Round

Non-league Wrexham stunned Coventry City on Saturday to advance 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 the victory.

Prior to the match, Ollie Palmer ruffled some feathers when he suggested that National League team Wrexham weren’t really thrilled with the draw.

“Coventry isn’t overly appealing to the lads to be honest,” proclaimed Palmer. “You either want a big Premier League club away or get drawn at home. Everything in between in League One or Championship is a bit like: whatever.”

Red Dragons daze Coventry with 2 early goals

Wrexham jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead after just 20 minutes on Saturday. Striker Sam Dalby headed in the first goal for the Welsh side, while Elliot Lee doubled the lead just six minutes later. Lee’s stunning strike was possibly intended as a pass, but he’ll surely say he meant it. Regardless, it was a fantastic goal from long range.

Coventry halved the visitor’s lead about 10 minutes from the halftime break. Former Arsenal youth product Ben Sheaf scored his first goal of the current campaign for the Sky Blues. The midfielder hit a solid, low strike passed the Wrexham goalkeeper from the edge of the box.

However, Wrexham extended their lead back to two with a goal just before the whistle blew for halftime. After the ball bounced around the box a few times, Tom O’Connor put a header into the back of the net from just a few yards out.

Second half equally as 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 inside 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 netted an easy goal after a defensive mistake by Wrexham. Kasey Palmer, who was brilliant throughout the match, scored a wonderfully struck free kick from just outside the box to make it 4-3.

The hosts had multiple solid chances to tie the game in the final moments, but the Welsh club hung on for the victory. Wrexham will now get their chance to see who they’ll face in the next round.

Wrexham FA Cup upset a dream come true for ESPN

Over at ESPN, executives and talent must have been pleased with the Wrexham win. Wrexham has already boosted ESPN’s viewing numbers for earlier round games. And now that the Welsh club are into the fourth round, the Red Dragons are sure to generate even more interest.

Welcome to Wrexham, the docuseries on Hulu, has been a big hit in the United States. Based on its success last year, the series has already been renewed for a second season. And surely footage from 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, January 8th. It’s scheduled for 11:05AM ET, before the Manchester City versus Chelsea game on ESPN+.

Photo: IMAGO / PA Images