Every Game From The Second Round! | Second Round Highlights Show | Emirates FA Cup 2024-25

Every Game From The Second Round! | Second Round Highlights Show | Emirates FA Cup 2024-25

The 2024-25 Emirates FA Cup has already delivered some unforgettable moments, and the Second Round was no exception! With teams from all divisions of English football vying for a spot in the prestigious competition’s Third Round, it was a week full of drama, upsets, and goal-scoring magic.

From underdog victories to thrilling comebacks, the Second Round of the FA Cup 2024-25 was one of the most exciting we’ve seen in years. Whether it was a top-flight side narrowly avoiding an upset, or a lower-league team causing a huge shock, every match was filled with passion and intensity.

Let’s take a look at the highlights from every game of the Second Round, where football fans saw it all.

The Underdogs Strike Back

The Second Round is often where we see the true spirit of the FA Cup emerge, with smaller clubs looking to pull off surprises against their bigger, more established counterparts. This round certainly lived up to that expectation, with several lower-league teams punching above their weight.

One of the standout performances came from Eastleigh FC, who were drawn against League One side Oxford United. Despite being considered heavy underdogs, Eastleigh produced a stunning performance, fighting hard to secure a 1-0 victory. The match was decided by a late goal from Tommy Wright, who capitalized on a defensive mistake to score in the 88th minute.

Oxford United threw everything forward in the final minutes, but Eastleigh’s defense, led by goalkeeper James Montgomery, held firm. The Eastleigh supporters were ecstatic as their side advanced to the Third Round, with a victory that will be remembered for years.

Thriller at Blackpool: Late Drama Ensures Progress

Another unforgettable clash took place at Bloomfield Road, where Blackpool faced off against Portsmouth in a hotly contested local derby. The match lived up to the hype, with both teams putting on an attacking display that had fans on the edge of their seats.

After a goalless first half, the game came alive in the second. Portsmouth took the lead through a powerful header by John Marquis in the 55th minute, but Blackpool responded quickly. Jerry Yates was the hero for Blackpool, scoring twice in the 70th and 82nd minutes, including a dramatic last-minute winner that sent the crowd wild.

Portsmouth pushed hard for an equalizer but was unable to break down Blackpool's defense, and the game ended 3-2 in favor of the Seasiders, sending them into the next round in thrilling fashion.

Stunning Upset: National League Side Takes Down Championship Opponents

In one of the biggest upsets of the round, Altrincham, a team from the National League, shocked Championship side Stoke City with a 2-1 victory. The match had drama written all over it, as Altrincham took the lead through a first-half goal by Jordan Hulme.

Stoke City, known for their physicality and strong squad, tried to fight back but were undone by Altrincham’s resilient defense and the composed finishing of John Johnston, who sealed the win with a second goal in the 75th minute.

Stoke City managed to pull one back late through Sam Clucas, but it wasn’t enough to prevent a famous cup upset. The Altrincham fans were in ecstasy as their team secured a memorable win against much higher-ranked opposition.

Premier League Side Escapes: Narrow Win for Crystal Palace

The tie between Crystal Palace and League Two’s Newport County looked like it would be a straightforward victory for the Premier League side, but Newport made them work for it. Palace went ahead early in the 14th minute through Jordan Ayew, but Newport leveled the scores after a stunning free-kick from Aaron Lewis in the 31st minute.

The match was evenly poised, and it looked like the game might go into extra time, but Crystal Palace found a way to win. Wilfried Zaha scored the winner with a cool finish in the 81st minute, putting Palace through to the Third Round with a 2-1 victory.

Extra-Time Drama: League One Teams Battle Through to Next Round

In another dramatic encounter, Shrewsbury Town fought hard against Walsall in a thrilling extra-time encounter. The match was locked at 1-1 after regular time, with both teams scoring early in the match. However, it was Shrewsbury’s midfielder Jason Cummings who became the hero in extra time. With the game heading towards penalties, Cummings broke the deadlock in the 111th minute, securing a 2-1 win for Shrewsbury Town.

The win kept Shrewsbury’s FA Cup dream alive, as they advanced to the next round, much to the delight of their passionate fanbase.

Key Moments from the Second Round

• Eastleigh FC’s 1-0 victory over Oxford United was one of the biggest upsets of the round.
• Blackpool’s late drama with Portsmouth, as Jerry Yates scored a last-minute winner to give Blackpool a 3-2 victory.
• Altrincham’s 2-1 triumph over Stoke City, securing a famous cup upset.
• Crystal Palace scraped past Newport County with a 2-1 win, thanks to a Zaha winner.
• Shrewsbury Town managed to fight through extra time for a 2-1 victory against Walsall.

Conclusion: A Round Full of Magic and Upsets

The Second Round of the 2024-25 FA Cup didn’t disappoint. It was packed with upsets, dramatic goals, and heart-stopping moments. Whether it was Altrincham taking down Stoke City, Eastleigh FC defying the odds against Oxford United, or Blackpool edging out Portsmouth, the second round showed the magic and unpredictability that the FA Cup is known for.

As we move into the Third Round, the excitement continues to build, and these early-round surprises serve as a reminder that anything can happen in the FA Cup. With more drama and surprises to come, this year’s competition is shaping up to be one of the most memorable in recent history.