In a shocking turn of events, sixth-tier Macclesfield Town has knocked Crystal Palace, the FA Cup holders, out of the competition with a thrilling 2-1 win.
The Moss Rose crowd erupted as captain Paul Dawson and Isaac Buckley-Ricketts scored in each half, stunning Premier League side Crystal Palace.
The magic of the FA Cup never died, and it was alive and kicking on Saturday as Macclesfield, coached by Wayne Rooney’s younger brother John, pulled off one of the greatest upsets in the tournament’s history.
Dawson’s curled free-kick header and Buckley-Ricketts’ clever finish left Palace reeling.
Despite a late Yeremy Pino free-kick, Palace couldn’t find an equalizer, and Macclesfield held on for the shock win.
Macclesfield’s story is an inspiring one, having overcome debts of over £500,000 and rebuilding from the ninth tier. Their FA Cup run is a feel-good tale, and the team’s emotions were running high on Saturday, especially after the tragic loss of forward Ethan McLeod in a car accident last month.
The win is a proud moment for Macclesfield, who are now one of the first non-league teams to eliminate the FA Cup holders since Palace themselves did so in 1908-09. The team will now face League One side Bolton Wanderers in the fourth round.
Palace, who had made six changes to their team, were unable to match Macclesfield’s intensity and energy, and their holders’ tag proved to be a heavy burden as Macclesfield swept them away to the amazement of many.
