Macclesfield, a sixth-tier non-league side, produced arguably the greatest upset in FA Cup history by defeating holders Crystal Palace 2-1 in the third round. The 117-place gap between the teams in the English football pyramid made the result seismic, with Palace becoming the first cup holders to lose to non-league opposition since 1909.
Captain Paul Dawson headed Macclesfield into the lead 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 the hosts held on to spark ecstatic scenes at the Moss Rose ground in front of a sell-out crowd of 5,348.
Macclesfield manager John Rooney, brother of former Manchester United striker Wayne, dedicated the victory to teammate Ethan McLeod, who died in a car accident last month. 'It still doesn't feel real,' said Rooney. 'I spoke before the game about having a bit of hope in the FA Cup, but did I really believe it? Probably not. It's mad to say but I thought we were deserved winners on the day.'
Palace manager Oliver Glasner admitted it was a 'David against Goliath story' and refused to make excuses. 'To explain that performance, or try to find some excuse, would be completely wrong,' he said. The Premier League side included three of their cup-winning team from last season, but they were overwhelmed by Macclesfield's intensity and physicality.
The victory was all the more remarkable given Macclesfield's squad is full of part-timers who hold down jobs in teaching, law and property. Rooney now hopes for a big away tie in the fourth round, but said: 'You cannot beat playing here in front of these fans. I'm so proud to give them that moment today.'
