We have taken a look at the lowest ranked sides ever to reach the FA Cup quarter finals, ahead of National League South team Maidstone United travelling to Championship club Coventry City in the round of 16 on Monday night in the hope of progressing through and causing another major upset in this season's competition.
Maidstone are currently as big as 18/1 with betting markets to reach the quarter finals, and we have also provided a prediction, odds and betting tips for what could be another historic fixture in football's oldest competition. They are also huge 1000/1 outsiders to go all the way and lift the prestigious trophy, in what would be a story reminiscent of Leicester City's 2015/16 Premier League title win starting as 5000/1 outsiders.
Lowest ranked sides ever to reach the FA Cup quarter finals: Maidstone to follow in Lincoln's footsteps?
Grimsby Town – 2022/23
League Two Grimsby reached the FA Cup quarter finals last season, beating then Premier League side Southampton 2-1 in the round of 16. They lost 5-0 to Brighton and Hove Albion so did not progress to the semis, but it was a memorable cup run that also saw them beat Premier League Luton Town, who were chasing promotion in the Championship, and now Championship Plymouth Argyle, who were chasing promotion in League One.
Lincoln City – 2016/17
Lincoln reached the FA Cup quarter finals while playing in non-league, and Maidstone could become the second if they beat Coventry. The National League champions of that season beat Premier League Burnley at Turf Moor on their remarkable run, before losing 5-0 away to eventual winners Arsenal in the quarters.
Cambridge United – 1989/90
Cambridge were in Division Four, the equivalent of League Two, when they reached the FA Cup quarter finals around 35 years ago. They beat then Division One Millwall along the way, but unfortunately lost 1-0 at home to top-flight Crystal Palace in the quarters.
Bradford City – 1975/76
League Two Bradford have caused a few “Cupsets” in modern times, famously reaching the 2013 League Cup final after beating Arsenal on penalties in the semis, only to lose 5-0 to Swansea City at Wembley Stadium. They also beat Premier League champions elect Chelsea 4-2 at Stamford Bridge in the FA Cup in 2015. Nonetheless, Bradford were in Division Four when they reached the FA Cup quarter finals in 1975/76, beating Division One Norwich City 2-1 away from home in the round of 16, before losing to eventual FA Cup winners Southampton.
Colchester United – 1970/71
Colchester were also a Fourth Division side when they reached the FA Cup quarter finals, famously beating Leeds United 3-2 in the round of 16, who were one of the best teams in England at the time. However, they were beaten by another Division One side in Everton in the quarters, losing 5-0 at Goodison Park.
Oxford United – 1963/64
Oxford were in Division Four when they reached the FA Cup quarter finals around 60 years ago. They beat Blackburn Rovers, who were in Division One at the time, 3-1 at home in the round of 16, but lost to Division Two Preston North End 2-1 in front of their own fans in the quarters.
