Sixth-tier Macclesfield produced one of the greatest upsets in FA Cup history by beating Premier League holders Crystal Palace 2-1 at the Moss Rose Ground. The gap of 117 places between the sides is the largest ever by a team defeating the reigning champions, who became the first cup holders to lose to non-league opposition since 1909.
Paul Dawson headed the hosts in front from a Luke Duffy free-kick before half-time, and Isaac Buckley-Ricketts added a second on the hour mark. Yeremy Pino's late free-kick set up a tense finish, but Macclesfield held on to spark ecstatic scenes and a pitch invasion from the sell-out crowd of 5,348.
Manager John Rooney, brother of former Manchester United striker Wayne, dedicated the win to the memory of teammate Ethan McLeod, who died in a car crash last month. “It still doesn’t feel real,” said Rooney. “I thought we were deserved winners on the day.”
Macclesfield's part-time squad includes teachers, lawyers and property developers, yet they dominated their star-studded opponents. Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner admitted: “To explain that performance, or try to find some excuse, would be completely wrong.”
Rooney shared a “really special” moment with Wayne after the final whistle, as the BBC pundit embraced his brother amid the celebrations. The Silkmen now await the fourth-round draw, with Rooney hoping for another home tie after this historic victory.
