Macclesfield has pulled off one of the greatest shocks in FA Cup history. The sixth-tier non-league side defeated reigning champions Crystal Palace 2-1 in the third round on Saturday afternoon, knocking the Premier League team out of the competition.
The gulf between the teams is staggering - 117 league places separate Macclesfield, who play in the National League North, from top-flight Palace. Goals from Paul Dawson just before half-time and Isaac Buckley-Ricketts on the hour sealed the historic upset at Moss Rose. Crystal Palace pulled one back through Yeremy Pino's 90th-minute free-kick, but Macclesfield held on to advance to the fourth round.
The victory marks a fairy-tale moment for manager John Rooney, the 35-year-old in his first job in management. Home fans poured onto the pitch at the final whistle to celebrate with the players.
Brother's pride
Wayne Rooney, watching from the BBC punditry team, became visibly emotional as he paid tribute to his younger brother. «I'm getting emotional here watching my younger brother achieve this,» the former Manchester United and England captain said. «He's not long been in management and to get through to the fourth round and beat Crystal Palace, a Premier League team, I am so proud of him.»
John Rooney expressed disbelief at his team's achievement. «I can't believe it, we never thought we would be in this position,» he said after the match. «We were incredible from the first minute. I thought we were deserved winners. I couldn't be any prouder of the lads.»
Phoenix club rises
Macclesfield's triumph carries added significance as a phoenix club story. The current club was reformed in 2020 after the original Macclesfield Town, founded in 1874, was liquidated and expelled due to mounting debts. The new entity has achieved three promotions in four seasons.
Captain and man of the match Paul Dawson 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.» He added: «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.»
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
