Luke Matheson Relishes Limelight of Macclesfield's Shock FA Cup Run After Teenage Stardom
Few things could have prepared Macclesfield players for the intense spotlight that followed their stunning FA Cup victory over Crystal Palace last month. However, for defender Luke Matheson, this level of attention is not entirely unfamiliar territory. As the team gears up for Monday night's fourth-round tie at home to Brentford, the 23-year-old is drawing on memories from his breakthrough years at Rochdale, where he first tasted fame while still in school.
A Star is Born at Old Trafford
Matheson was just 16 years old when he catapulted into the headlines with a spectacular strike for Rochdale in their Carabao Cup third-round match against Manchester United at Old Trafford. His goal forced a 1-1 draw, leading to a shootout where United ultimately prevailed 5-3. Reflecting on that moment, Matheson described it as one of the most surreal experiences of his life.
"I was on the bus to school the next morning with my mates, refreshing Instagram, it was 1,000 likes here, another 1,000 there," he recalled. "It was only about a month before that I'd actually made my full league debut. Even being on that pitch, even to travel to that game, was enough for me. Then to score took it to another level."
He vividly remembers the roar of the crowd after his goal, a moment he cherishes as one of the best days of his life. Just a few months later, Matheson played an hour in Rochdale's FA Cup third-round tie against Newcastle, contributing to a 1-1 draw that earned a replay at St James' Park, where he started in a 4-1 defeat.
Balancing Football and Education
During this period, Matheson was juggling call-ups for the England Under-18s with studying for his A levels. His parents, both teachers, played a crucial role in keeping him grounded. "My mum and dad were both teachers so they kept me grounded," he said. "Going away for England in school, I wasn't allowed to go if I hadn't done my homework. Having that kind of upbringing prepared me for life as well as being a footballer."
Barely two weeks after the replay against Newcastle, Matheson signed for Wolverhampton Wanderers, initially returning to Rochdale on loan. Looking back, he admits the move to Wolves did not pan out as hoped. "I did it backwards," he explained. "I came through into a first team, then went to Wolves and came through at Under-23s. For me and my career, it almost felt like I'd taken a step backwards, because a lot of boys at that under-23s level are trying to get into a first team."
A Journey Through the Lower Leagues
After loans with Ipswich Town, Hamilton Academical, and Scunthorpe United, Matheson left Wolves without making a first-team appearance. He then joined Bolton Wanderers but struggled to break into their first team, leading to spells at Bohemians and Alfreton Town. Released last summer, he signed with Macclesfield, a club aiming to reach the National League.
Now, with more experience under his belt, Matheson feels better equipped for the challenges of professional football. "I was a kid at Rochdale, but I've now got a little bit more experience," he said. "I've been around different clubs, different experiences, different managers. I think we're lucky in our changing room that individuals bring experience from all over the country. This group here is probably the closest team of players I've ever been involved with."
Macclesfield's Family Spirit and FA Cup Dreams
Matheson praised the camaraderie within the Macclesfield squad, describing it as a family-like environment. "As cliched as it sounds, it's like a family. You see the stadium packed out and as a player it's what you dream of. We can't wait to get back out there."
After producing one of the greatest shocks in FA Cup history by eliminating holders Crystal Palace, Macclesfield now faces another Premier League side, Brentford, on Monday. The team dreams of another magical night, with Matheson's journey from teenage stardom to FA Cup redemption serving as a testament to resilience and passion in football.
