Published: 12:00, 9 March 2026 | Updated: 12:03, 9 March 2026

On Match of the Day the wonderfully enthusiastic Jonathan Pearce declared the FA Cup as the greatest cup competition in the world and after weekends like this one, it feels as though he is right.

In keeping with the story of this season's cup, intrigue, upset, controversy and, most importantly, excitement all featured as the grand old competition showed the best of itself at places like Vale Park, Field Mill, the Racecourse Ground and Craven Cottage.

The performance of the last sixteen came from Port Vale who, after knocking out Sunderland, have now won more cup games this season – seven – than they have in League One – six – where they currently sit bottom. But Mansfield and Wrexham certainly ran them close.

The secret to it this time round seemed very simple. Mansfield, Port Vale and Wrexham were all playing at home. Just as non-league Macclesfield were when they knocked out holders Crystal Palace back in January.

The jeopardy increases tenfold when big teams travel to smaller ones and it's always...