Macclesfield produced what is being hailed as the biggest FA Cup giant-killing in history, knocking out holders Crystal Palace with a 2-1 victory at the Leasing.com Stadium. The sixth-tier side, 117 places below their Premier League opponents in the English football pyramid, became the first cup holders to lose to non-league opposition since 1909.
Captain Paul Dawson headed Macclesfield into a first-half lead from Luke Duffy's free-kick, before Isaac Buckley-Ricketts added a scrappy second on the hour mark. Yeremy Pino's late free-kick set up a tense finish, but the Silkmen held on to spark ecstatic scenes, including a pitch invasion.
Manager John Rooney, brother of former Manchester United striker Wayne, dedicated the win to teammate Ethan McLeod, who died in a car accident last month. 'It still doesn't feel real,' said Rooney. 'I thought we were deserved winners on the day. I'm really proud on a personal note but also proud of the players.'
Palace included three of their cup-winning side from last season – Adam Wharton, Chris Richards and captain Marc Guéhi – but struggled throughout. Manager Oliver Glasner admitted: 'To explain that performance, or try to find some excuse, would be completely wrong.'
Macclesfield's part-time squad, who hold jobs in teaching, law and property, dominated their illustrious visitors. Rooney, who shared a 'really special' moment with his brother Wayne after the match, said: 'We'd love a big away trip but you cannot beat playing here in front of these fans.'
