Macclesfield has pulled off one of the greatest FA Cup upsets in history, defeating reigning champions Crystal Palace 2-1 in the third round at Moss Rose. The National League North side, sitting 117 places below Palace in the football pyramid, shocked the holders to advance to the fourth round.
Paul Dawson and Isaac Buckley-Ricketts scored for the sixth-tier club before Yeremy Pino's 90th-minute free-kick set up a tense finish. But Macclesfield held firm to secure a famous victory under manager John Rooney, the 35-year-old brother of Wayne Rooney, in his first job in management.
The result marks the first time FA Cup holders have lost to non-league opposition since 1909 - when Crystal Palace themselves, then playing in the Southern League, beat Wolves.
Historic moment for phoenix club
Macclesfield emerged as a phoenix club in 2020 after the original Macclesfield Town, founded in 1874, was liquidated and expelled due to mounting debts. The reformed club has achieved three promotions in four seasons to reach the National League North, where they currently sit 14th.
John Rooney, who had two previous spells as a player with Macclesfield, retired at the end of last season and moved straight into coaching at the club. His playing career included stints at Chester, Wrexham, Barrow, Stockport and Oldham.
Wayne Rooney's emotional reaction
Former England and Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney was visibly moved watching his younger brother's achievement. He told the BBC: «It's incredible to see my younger brother achieve this, he has not long been the manager. I am so proud of him.»
Captain and man of the match Paul Dawson expressed his pride in the team's performance. He told the BBC: «I am very happy but very tired. I felt like we kept our shape really well and they didn't make very much.»
Dawson added: «I was surprised [with the win] like I said before, the gaffer gave us a game plan and we all stuck to it and got where we wanted to be. I was very calm coming into it and on the pitch. I do get in a few of them head-to-heads each week, so this head isn't going to get that hurt. Macclesfield means the world to me. It's an immense achievement. I am proud of the boys and proud of the fans. It's a really big community club.»
Macclesfield will be ball number 30 in Monday's fourth round draw, extending their dream run in the competition after earlier victories over AFC Totton and Slough Town.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
