Alfie Devine’s pure joy, Louie Barry’s breakthrough and Newport’s roller-coaster game… Sportsmail picks SIX magic moments from the FA Cup third-round weekend
- The FA Cup third-round provided plenty of memorable moments this weekend
- From Leeds United crashing out at Crawley to Spurs’ trip to minnows Marine
- Sportsmail’s experts pick out their favourite moments from the third-round
The FA Cup third-round once again delivered on its annual dose of footballing magic, with plenty of Premier League big boys put to the test by underdog opposition.
From Leeds United’s 3-0 hammering by Crawley Town to Aston Villa’s youngsters putting-up a brave fight against Sadio Mane, Mo Salah and Co, it was an entertaining weekend.
Looking-back on a memorable FA Cup round, Sportsmail’s experts picked-out their favourite magical moments…
Crawley Town’s shock victory over Leeds United was the giant-killing of the FA Cup third-round
The third-round delivered on its usual promise of vast contrasts between opposing teams
Smile that said it all – by Sami Mokbel
The pure joy on Alfie Devine’s face was a picture.
When you strip it all back, that’s what football should be about — the sheer delight of a young man who has just scored the first goal of his senior career, Tottenham’s fifth at Marine.
During a period that has been utterly depressing for society in general, that look of unbridled elation on the 16-year-old substitute’s face brought a smile to many people.
Alfie Devine became Tottenham’s youngest ever player, scoring after coming on at Marine FC
The 16-year-old’s delight at his achievement captured the spirit of the FA Cup’s early rounds
Show of raw emotion – by Matt Barlow
Nick Tsaroulla’s emotional post-match interview.
His fabulous solo goal sparked Crawley’s magnificent 3-0 win against Leeds, a classic third-round upset that will live long in the memory, yet it meant immeasurably more to a young footballer who has defied bad luck, injuries and rejection to offer the world a glimpse of his talent and emerge as an FA Cup hero.
Little wonder he choked up a bit after the final whistle.
Nick Tsaroulla welled-up after scoring his first senior goal for Crawley Town against Leeds
Tsaroulla completed his long road back to his best after a car crash in 2017 derailed his career
Louie a star in the making – by Tom Collomosse
Nobody gave Villa a chance against the champions with a team of fringe and youth players, due to Covid. The highlight was 17-year-old Louie Barry’s goal.
He found space behind the back line and produced the sort of finish that persuaded Barcelona to take him from West Brom a year ago.
Barry opted to return to England six months later and join the club he supported as a boy. Certainly Villa’s gain.
Louie Barry made an unexpected breakout against Liverpool by scoring Villa’s first-half goal
Villa Thriller – by Joe Bernstein
It’s always special when a new star is born, we all remember Wayne Rooney’s famous goal against Arsenal.
When Louie Barry raced through to equalise for Aston Villa’s youth team against the Premier League champions, it felt like a historic moment.
The first act of a great career ahead.
Barry was drafted in after Villa’s first-team was struck by Covid-19 and showed his huge talent
Flynn’s flashback – by Richard Gibson
The elation on Michael Flynn’s face as the ball spun off Brighton defender Andy Webster’s midriff for Newport County’s 96th-minute equaliser.
Second in League Two, promotion remains the priority but Flynn, manager of his hometown club, was clearly intoxicated by the prospect of adding another top-flight scalp to his c.v. two years after knocking out Leicester.
Alas, penalties ended the dream.
Newport got another chance against Brighton with their last-gasp injury-time equaliser
Ground to celebrate – by Jack Gaughan
Chorley groundsman Ben Kay, who worked overnight at Victory Park to preserve their surface and make a win over Derby possible, was so shattered he couldn’t summon the energy to relive his 24 hours until first thing on Sunday, when he outlined what the Cup means, the surprise overnight fame and the glory. Wembley’s head groundsman has invited Ben to be a part of their team for May’s Cup final.