Macclesfield pulled off one of the biggest shocks in FA Cup history on Sunday, defeating holders Crystal Palace 2-1 in the third round. The gap of 117 places between the sixth-tier side and their Premier League opponents made it the largest giant-killing in the competition's history. Palace became the first cup holders to lose to non-league opposition since 1909.
Captain Paul Dawson gave Macclesfield the lead just before half-time with a powerful header from Luke Duffy's free-kick. Isaac Buckley-Ricketts doubled the advantage on the hour mark, steering home after a scramble. Palace, who included three of their cup-winning side in Adam Wharton, Chris Richards and Marc Guéhi, struggled to cope with Macclesfield's intensity. Yeremy Pino's late free-kick set up a tense finish, but the hosts held on.
Manager John Rooney, brother of former Manchester United striker Wayne, described the win as surreal. 'I spoke before the game about having hope in the FA Cup, but did I really believe it? Probably not,' he said. 'It's mad, but I thought we were deserved winners. The players created something unbelievable.'
Macclesfield's squad consists largely of part-timers with jobs outside football. Their performance was inspired by the memory of teammate Ethan McLeod, who died in a car accident last month. Palace boss Oliver Glasner admitted it was a 'David against Goliath story' and refused to make excuses for his side's display.
Rooney celebrated with his brother Wayne, who was working as a pundit for the BBC. The win sparked jubilant scenes at the Moss Rose ground, with a pitch invasion at full-time. 'We'd love a big away trip, but you cannot beat playing here in front of these fans,' Rooney added.
