With fans staying away as Premier League sides rested numerous key players, the 2016-17 FA Cup was crying out for a magical story. Pundits and fans held opinionated discussions on how the competition could be improved and bring back its appeal. Yet such ideas were not required, with one small non-league side with a big heart ready to burst out of the shadows.
Lincoln City continue the most unlikely FA Cup run ever witnessed in the modern era
It is not unusual to see a lower league side dismiss a higher profile team in the FA Cup. Cast your mind back to Ronnie Radford and his sublime volley that saw Hereford United defeat Newcastle in the 1970's.
A decade later Harry Redknapp's Bournemouth grabbed the headlines against Manchester United, before Wrexham saw off Arsenal in the 90's. Only two seasons ago Bradford City stunned Jose Mourinho's Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Yet producing a string of giant-killing successes is something to be admired. Lincoln City have become accustomed to the winning feeling as they top the National League but their FA Cup run is something dreams are made of. A 2-2 draw with Ipswich Town at Portman Road in the Third Round set up a replay against the Championship side at Sincil Bank. A late goal saw them progress and grab the headlines in early January.
The Imps then followed that victory with a 3-1 defeat over second tier high-flyers Brighton and Hove Albion, setting up a Fifth Round tie with Premier League side Burnley.
Not the most glamorous of sides on offer, but a stern test with the Clarets boasting the third best home record in the top flight. Yet Lincoln held their own with another organised display before snatching a winner in the 89th minute as central defender Sean Raggett forced a header over the line, thus making a mockery of their 81-place inferiority on the football league ladder.
The result ensured Lincoln became the first non-league side in the modern era to reach the final eight of England's premier cup competition. Manager Danny Cowley, a former PE teacher, described the run as "a miracle".
Millwall stun the Premier League Champions despite having a player less for the majority of the second half
Despite only four more FA Cup matches completing Saturday's schedule, more shocks were to follow Lincoln's success.
League One side Millwall played like lions at the Den as they hosted Leicester City. They lost Jake Cooper just minutes into the second half for a second bookable offence but continued to fight against the English Champions. Eventually Shaun Cummings set off on a mazy dribble in the final minute before slotting the ball home and Millwall into the final eight, making up for being 33 places worse off than the Foxes.
Championship side Huddersfield Town also ensured they will be in Monday's quarter-final draw as they held Premier League big spenders Manchester City to a goalless draw. Both sides had numerous chances but respective goalkeepers Joel Coleman and Claudio Bravo were on top form to keep the contest deadlocked.
Unfortunately, the Fifth Round was a step too far for League One Oxford United against top flight Middlesbrough. The underdogs responded from going two goals behind with a double in as many minutes before Christian Stuani sealed victory for the hosts with minutes remaining. Wolves also bowed out to Chelsea as they lost 2-0 at Molineaux.
Yet potential shocks are still on the cards with Fulham and Blackburn Rovers hosting Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United respectively on Sunday. However, all eyes will be on non-league Sutton United as they attempt to stun Arsenal and join Lincoln in the last eight.
