The FA Cup is undoubtedly one of the most decorated and well-received competitions across English football, for teams of any standard and any financial situation.
Over the years, there have been shocks, surprises, glory days for minnows and unpredictability as the magic of the FA Cup has truly shone through and given fans across the country such nostalgia and elation.
Southampton, however, have not felt that same feeling ever since their last win of the cup, as they have been knocked out by Crystal Palace this season and the year prior to this campaign in the very early stages.
However, on the weekend of the FA Cup, with Southampton uninvolved, I will be taking a look at Saints’ greatest ever wins in the competition in their history.
Southampton 2-1 Portsmouth, 29 January 2005
Southampton took the bragging rights on the south coast as they defeated fierce rivals Portsmouth 2-1 in the FA Cup fourth round thanks to a 90th minute Peter Crouch penalty.
Southampton 4-0 Tottenham, 4 January 2003
Southampton pulled off an incredible result in the third round of the FA Cup as they hit Spurs for four at the Friends Provident St Mary’s stadium. Goals from Michael Svensson, Jo Tessem, Anders Svensson and James Beattie were more than enough to give the Tottenham fans a miserable journey back to North London.
Southampton 3-0 Portsmouth, 7 January 1996
Southampton recorded an earlier derby day victory in the FA Cup in 1996 in the third round, as they saw off Portsmouth 3-0 through a Neil Shipperley goal and a Jim Magilton brace.
Manchester United 2-2 Southampton (Southampton win 4-2 on penalties), 5 February 1992
In the FA Cup fourth round replay at Old Trafford, Southampton recorded a momentous victory against the Red Devils in a penalty shootout. Goals from Stuart Gray and Alan Shearer were able to take the Saints to penalties, where they progressed to the fifth round.
Southampton 1-0 Manchester United, FA Cup Final, 1 May 1976
Who could ever leave out this one? The day that still gets spoken of years on from the momentous occasion – Southampton’s only ever FA Cup victory.
Bobby Stokes scored the decisive goal as Lawrie McMenemy led his Southampton side to FA Cup glory and brought the city a whole new feeling of happiness.
An extraordinary day for all associated with Southampton Football Club.