In one of the most remarkable stories in recent FA Cup history, non-league Macclesfield FC have sensationally knocked out the competition's holders, Crystal Palace, securing a famous 2-1 victory at the Leasing.com Stadium.
From Rightmove Listing to FA Cup Glory
The fairytale victory on Saturday afternoon was made even more extraordinary by the club's origins and the unconventional path to ownership taken by Rob Smethurst. Speaking to TNT Sports after the historic win, Smethurst revealed he purchased the club in 2020 in highly unusual circumstances.
"I bought it from Rightmove after four days drinking and can't really remember buying it," Smethurst admitted. "And look where we are now." The club was listed on the property website following the liquidation of the former Macclesfield Town, presenting a bizarre opportunity that Smethurst took after a four-day bender.
A Day to Savour for The Silkmen
On the pitch, the gulf between the sides was monumental, with 117 places separating National League North Macclesfield from Premier League giants Crystal Palace. Despite being overwhelming underdogs, Macclesfield delivered a performance for the ages.
Paul Dawson headed the sixth-tier side into a shock lead just before half-time. The dream was amplified in the second period when Isaac Buckley-Ricketts scored to double the advantage. A late stoppage-time consolation from Yeremy Pino did little to dampen the seismic upset, sending Palace crashing out and Macclesfield into the fourth round.
"Not in a million years [did I see that happening]," said a jubilant Smethurst. "It's Crystal Palace, an absolutely quality team and I thought we would maybe [lose] 6-0, 7-0 in my head. But I've never seen anything like it... The players were insane."
Celebrations and a Promised Trip to Ibiza
The final whistle sparked unforgettable scenes, with ecstatic fans flooding onto the pitch to celebrate with the players, some of whom were hoisted into the air by adoring supporters. For a club reborn from ashes in 2020, it was a moment of pure catharsis.
True to the story's origins, Smethurst has already planned the perfect reward for his squad. "I think I've already planned the Ibiza trip with the boys," he confirmed, marking the incredible journey from a post-Ibiza property purchase to conquering the FA Cup holders.
Macclesfield, who earned promotion to the sixth tier last season, will discover their next opponents in the fourth-round draw on Monday, January 12. Regardless of the outcome, their victory over Palace, forged from a most unlikely beginning, will be remembered as one of the competition's greatest giant-killings.
