Macclesfield pulled off one of the greatest shocks in FA Cup history by defeating holders Crystal Palace 2-1 in the third round. The sixth-tier side, separated by 117 league places from their Premier League opponents, became the first non-league team to beat the cup holders since 1909.
Goals from captain Paul Dawson and Isaac Buckley-Ricketts gave Macclesfield a deserved lead, with Yeremy Pino's late free-kick providing only a consolation for Palace. 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.
Palace boss Oliver Glasner admitted his side were outplayed, saying: 'To explain that performance, or try to find some excuse, would be completely wrong.' The visitors included three of their cup-winning side from last season, but they struggled against Macclesfield's intensity and physicality.
Rooney, whose squad includes part-timers working as teachers and lawyers, said: 'It still doesn't feel real. I thought we were deserved winners on the day. I'm really proud of the players.' The sell-out crowd of 5,348 erupted at full-time, with scenes of jubilation as fans invaded the pitch.
