Macclesfield, a non-league team in the National League North, pulled off a historic upset by defeating Crystal Palace, the FA Cup holders, 2-1 in the third round of the FA Cup. The match, held at Macclesfield's Moss Rose stadium, saw the sixth-tier team overcome a Premier League side that had won the FA Cup just months prior. This victory marks one of the greatest shocks in FA Cup history, with a massive 117 places separating the two teams in the English football pyramid.
The Silkmen's goals came from captain Paul Dawson, with a header, and Isaac Buckley-Ricketts. Crystal Palace's Yeremy Pino scored a late free-kick, but it proved to be a mere consolation. Macclesfield is the first non-league side to eliminate the FA Cup holders since 1909. That year, Crystal Palace, then a non-league team themselves, defeated Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The victory is particularly significant for Macclesfield, a club reformed in 2020 after going out of business and being expelled from the Football League due to debts exceeding £500,000. Local businessman Robert Smethurst purchased the club a month later. They entered the ninth tier in 2021-22, and have achieved three promotions in four seasons. Adding to the emotional weight of the day, the team played with heavy hearts following the recent death of their 21-year-old forward, Ethan McLeod, who died in a car accident last month. Tributes were paid to McLeod before the match.
Managed by John Rooney, brother of former England and Manchester United star Wayne Rooney, Macclesfield displayed determination and tactical prowess. Rooney's half-time message to his players was to manage the game and slow it down. The team's performance frustrated Crystal Palace, who struggled to break down Macclesfield's defense. Despite Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner making changes to the team, including bringing on Will Hughes and Brennan Johnson, they were unable to overturn the deficit.
The atmosphere at Moss Rose was electric, with a sell-out crowd witnessing history. Crystal Palace donated their share of the ticket sales to Macclesfield. Wayne Rooney, who was present at the game as a pundit for the BBC, was visibly emotional after his brother's team secured the victory.
For Crystal Palace, who won their first major trophy by beating Manchester City in the 2025 FA Cup final, this defeat is a major setback. The Eagles, who have been a consistent presence in the Premier League, were unable to replicate their cup-winning form against a determined Macclesfield side.
Macclesfield's remarkable FA Cup journey continues as they enter the fourth round draw. Their victory over Crystal Palace will be remembered as one of the most memorable upsets in the competition's long and storied history.
