In the biggest “Giant Killing” of the 2025/26 FA Cup so far, Mansfield Town produced a stunning second-half comeback to dump Premier League Burnley out of the fourth round.
The 2-1 victory at Turf Moor on Saturday, February 14, 2026, marks the first time the Stags have reached the FA Cup fifth round since 1975—ending a 51-year wait for the Nottinghamshire club.
Burnley Waste Early Dominance
Despite sitting 19th in the Premier League, Scott Parker’s side started as heavy favorites and looked in control early on. Veteran forward Ashley Barnes missed a “sitter” from four yards in the opening minutes, drawing taunts of “That’s why you’re going down” from the nearly 4,000 traveling Mansfield fans.
The breakthrough eventually came in the 21st minute. Josh Laurent showed Premier League class, feinting past the goalkeeper and a defender before slotting into an empty net to give the Clarets a deserved lead. Burnley nearly doubled their advantage before the break, but Kyle Knoyle produced a hero’s goal-line clearance to deny Jacob Bruun Larsen.
The Turning Point: Oates and Reed Strike Back
Whatever Nigel Clough said at half-time worked. Mansfield emerged with a high press that rattled a patchwork Burnley team featuring nine changes.
- The Equalizer (53′): After missing an earlier one-on-one, Rhys Oates made amends by outjumping the Burnley defense to head home a pinpoint cross from Knoyle.
- The Winner (80′): With the game heading toward a replay, Mansfield captain Louis Reed stepped up to a 25-yard free-kick. Reed curled an unstoppable right-footed strike into the top corner, sparking “delirium” in the away end.
“To come to a Premier League ground and win in that fashion—coming from behind—is an incredible testament to this group of players,” Mansfield boss Nigel Clough told BBC Sport.
Burnley’s Season of Despair Continues
For Scott Parker, the defeat is a “chastening” blow in a season already marred by relegation fears. Burnley have managed just four wins in 26 Premier League matches this season, and with their FA Cup exit, the focus now shifts entirely to a desperate survival scrap.
Zian Flemming had a golden chance to force extra time in the 94th minute, but his six-yard blast flew over the bar, sealing Burnley’s fate.
