Macclesfield pulled off one of the greatest upsets in FA Cup history, defeating holders Crystal Palace 2-1 in the third round at Moss Rose on Saturday afternoon. The sixth-tier side overcame a 117-place league gap to dump out the Premier League team and advance to the fourth round.
Captain Paul Dawson headed Macclesfield in front two minutes before half-time from a free-kick. Isaac Buckley-Ricketts doubled the lead on the hour mark, deceiving goalkeeper Walter Benitez. Crystal Palace's Yeremy Pino scored a late free-kick in the 90th minute, but the non-league side held on for a famous victory.
Home fans flooded the pitch at the final whistle to celebrate with the players.
Wayne Rooney's emotional tribute
Former Manchester United and England captain Wayne Rooney fought back tears on the BBC while watching his younger brother's achievement unfold. 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.»
The emotion was visible as Rooney added: «I'm getting emotional here watching my younger brother achieve this.» He continued: «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.»
Manager's disbelief
John Rooney, 35, is in his first management role after retiring as a player last season. The victory marks a remarkable start to his coaching career.
He expressed his disbelief after the match: «I can't believe it, we never thought we would be in this position.» The manager praised his team's performance: «We were incredible from the first minute. I thought we were deserved winners. I couldn't be any prouder of the lads.»
Rooney emphasized the players' commitment: «I couldn't have asked any more of them and you can see the joy in them.»
Phoenix club's remarkable rise
Macclesfield is a phoenix club that emerged after Macclesfield Town, founded in 1874, was liquidated and expelled in 2020 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 previously had two spells as a player with both the original and reformed clubs. His playing career included stints at Chester, Wrexham, Barrow, Stockport and Oldham, predominantly in football's lower tiers.
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: «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.»
The victory represents the first time FA Cup holders have lost to non-league opposition since 1909, when Crystal Palace themselves, then in the Southern League, defeated Wolves.
Macclesfield will be ball number 30 in the fourth-round draw on Monday, 12 January.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
