Moss Rose, Macclesfield - In a stunning upset that reverberated throughout the English football pyramid, sixth-tier Macclesfield FC defeated FA Cup holders Crystal Palace 2-1 in the third round of the FA Cup. The historic victory, achieved on Saturday, January 10, 2026, sent shockwaves through the sport, with many calling it the greatest shock in the competition's history. The 117 league places separating the two clubs marked the largest gap ever overcome by an underdog in the FA Cup.
The reformed Macclesfield FC, a phoenix club rising from the ashes of Macclesfield Town after its liquidation in 2020, wrote a new chapter in its fairytale story. Goals from captain Paul Dawson and Isaac Buckley-Ricketts either side of half-time sealed the victory, sending the home crowd at the 5,900-capacity Moss Rose stadium into delirium. A late free-kick from Crystal Palace's Yéremy Pino proved to be a mere consolation.
For Crystal Palace, the defeat was a bitter pill to swallow. Fresh off their FA Cup triumph last season, the Eagles were expected to cruise past their non-league opponents. However, a lackluster performance, compounded by defensive errors, saw them crash out of the competition at the first hurdle. Manager Oliver Glasner, visibly stunned, admitted he had "no explanation" for his team's performance. He lamented the lack of pride and basic execution from his players, stating that tactics were irrelevant when the fundamental aspects of the game were missing.
Despite the obvious disappointment, many Crystal Palace fans couldn't help but smile at the sheer romance of the occasion. Macclesfield's journey has been nothing short of remarkable. Reeling from the loss of their 21-year-old forward, Ethan McLeod, who tragically died in a car accident just weeks before the game, the Silkmen played with a spirit and determination that epitomized the magic of the FA Cup. A banner bearing McLeod's name hung proudly behind the dugouts, a poignant reminder of the young player whose memory fueled their remarkable performance.
Macclesfield's manager, John Rooney, brother of former England captain Wayne Rooney, was overcome with emotion after the final whistle. In his first season as manager, Rooney has guided the team to a mid-table position in the National League North while also masterminding this historic FA Cup upset. "I can't believe it," he said, "We were incredible from the first minute".
The victory is a testament to the enduring appeal of the FA Cup, a competition renowned for its giant-killing acts and underdog stories. For Macclesfield, a club reborn from financial ruin, the win represents more than just a place in the fourth round; it's a symbol of hope, resilience, and the unwavering power of community. While Crystal Palace will undoubtedly lick their wounds and refocus on their Premier League and European ambitions, the name Macclesfield FC will forever be etched in FA Cup folklore. Even Palace fans could appreciate that.
