Macclesfield produced what is widely regarded as the biggest shock in FA Cup history, defeating holders Crystal Palace 2-1 in the third round. The sixth-tier side, 117 places below their Premier League opponents, became the first non-league team to eliminate the cup holders since 1909.
Paul Dawson headed Macclesfield into the lead before half-time, and Isaac Buckley-Ricketts added a second after the break. Yeremy Pino's late free-kick set up a tense finish, but the Silkmen held on to spark ecstatic scenes at Moss Rose, where a sell-out crowd of 5,348 invaded the pitch at full-time.
Macclesfield manager John Rooney, brother of former Manchester United striker Wayne, dedicated the win to teammate Ethan McLeod, who died in a car accident last month. 'It still doesn't feel real,' Rooney said. 'I thought we were deserved winners on the day. I'm really proud of the players.'
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner admitted his side were outplayed, saying: 'To explain that performance, or try to find some excuse, would be completely wrong. It was a David against Goliath story.' The Eagles included three of their cup-winning side from last season, but Adam Wharton, Chris Richards and captain Marc Guéhi struggled to cope with Macclesfield's intensity.
Macclesfield's squad is largely made up of part-timers with jobs in teaching, law and property. Their victory sets up a fourth-round tie, with Rooney hoping for another home game after this memorable triumph.
