It is the time of year when players and clubs from England's lower tiers dream of upsetting the Premier League elite.
As shown by this photo story, FA Cup third round weekend means small stadiums full of hardy supporters who brave winter weather in the hope that their club will write a chapter in competition folklore.
Before the game begins, there is hope. Fans arrive at The Den for Millwall's tie vs. Hull City. Dan Istitene/Getty Images Pregame entertainment might include a pie and a pint or, for one Newport County fan, a read of the matchday programme. GEOFF CADDICK/AFP/Getty Images Grimsby Town were not intimidated by facing Crystal Palace, but ultimately fell to a late goal from their Premier League opponents. Shaun Brooks/Action Plus/Getty Images Manchester United's game vs. Reading offered a different type of new beginning as 19-year-old Tahith Chong, left, made his debut for the Premier League giants. OLI SCARFF/AFP/Getty Images Ahead of the game against Arsenal, fans of League One Blackpool protested against the club's owner, Owen Oyston. Jay Barratt/AMA/Getty Images The FA Cup dream died unceremoniously for Tranmere, who were thrashed at home by Tottenham. Jan Kruger/Getty Images Having almost beaten Spurs last year, Newport County went one better as Padraig Amond's goal knocked out recent Premier League champions Leicester. Nick Potts/PA/AP Under the glare of floodlights, fans make their way to Bristol City's Ashton Gate. David Davies/PA Images/Getty Images This is what it means: Bradley Garmston of Gillingham celebrates his team's winner against Cardiff. Henry Browne/Getty Images Other giant-killers were Oldham, who came from a goal down to win at Fulham of the Premier League. Chloe Knott/Danehouse/Getty Images For Cesc Fabregas, a three-time FA Cup winner, it was a weekend for goodbyes as he played his last game for Chelsea before joining Monaco. Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC/Getty Images One young Arsenal fan had a day to remember: His team won 3-0, after which he got a shirt and a hug from Gunners midfielder Mohamed Elneny. Tim Williams/Action Plus/Getty Images The fourth round takes place on the weekend of Jan. 25-28; watch the FA Cup all season on ESPN+.
