Macclesfield, a non-league side, orchestrated a stunning 2-1 victory over FA Cup holders Crystal Palace in a third-round match that will be etched in FA Cup history. The match, played at Macclesfield's Moss Rose ground in front of 5,348 fans, saw the sixth-tier team, 117 places below their Premier League opponents in the English football pyramid, produce a performance of resilience and clinical finishing.
The victory is made even more remarkable considering Macclesfield's recent history. The club was expelled from the National League five years ago due to debts exceeding £500,000. Purchased a month later by local businessman Robert Smethurst, the team entered the ninth tier in 2021-22 and has since achieved three promotions in four seasons. Adding to the emotional weight of the day, the team was also playing with heavy hearts following the recent death of their 21-year-old forward, Ethan McLeod, in a car accident.
Macclesfield, managed by John Rooney, brother of former England and Manchester United star Wayne Rooney, took the lead in the 43rd minute when captain Paul Dawson powerfully headed home a perfectly curled free-kick from Luke Duffy. The home side doubled their advantage in the 60th minute through Isaac Buckley-Ricketts, who displayed excellent footwork to flick the ball past Palace goalkeeper Walter Benitez following a scramble in the penalty area.
Crystal Palace, managed by Oliver Glasner, struggled to impose themselves on the game, despite Glasner making six changes to the team that drew with Aston Villa. Palace's Yeremy Pino scored a stunning free-kick in the 90th minute to reduce the deficit and set up a nervy finish. However, Macclesfield held on to secure a historic victory.
Macclesfield's triumph marks the first time a non-league team has eliminated the FA Cup holders since Crystal Palace themselves defeated Wolverhampton Wanderers in 1908-09. Arsenal were the last holders to be knocked out in the third round, back in 2018. The final whistle sparked scenes of jubilation as fans flooded the pitch to celebrate with the players. Dawson and Duffy were carried aloft by the ecstatic crowd. Macclesfield now progresses to the fourth round of the FA Cup, their first appearance in this stage since their reformation in 2020.
