Macclesfield FC, a sixth-tier English football club, defeated Premier League team and current FA Cup holders Crystal Palace 2-1 in the third round of the FA Cup. The match, held at Macclesfield's Moss Rose ground, also known as Leasing.Com Stadium, resulted in Macclesfield's advancement to the fourth round of the competition.
Match Summary
Macclesfield FC secured a 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace. Captain Paul Dawson scored for Macclesfield before halftime, and Isaac Buckley-Ricketts extended the lead early in the second half. Crystal Palace scored a late consolation goal from Yeremy Pino's free kick, but it was not enough to alter the final score.
Historical Context
The result marks the first time in 117 years that a team from outside English football's major national leagues has eliminated the reigning FA Cup holders. The five-division difference between Macclesfield FC and Crystal Palace has been noted as one of the most significant disparities in club tiers to occur in FA Cup history.
Club Background
Macclesfield FC reformed in 2020 following previous financial issues. The club's victory occurred less than a month after the death of Macclesfield player Ethan McLeod in a car accident.
Post-Match Acknowledgments
Following the match, various individuals and organizations issued statements or acknowledged the result. These included Macclesfield Town Council, local Labour MP Tim Roca, and East Cheshire NHS Trust. Among the acknowledgments were statements from family members of the players, such as Paula Hunt, mother of Paul Dawson, and Anthony Dearnley, father of goalkeeper Max Dearnley. A Crystal Palace supporter, John Athawes, also acknowledged Macclesfield's win. Local institutions in Macclesfield, including the town's Silk Museum and Hannah's Place coffee shop, also recognized the team's success. Macclesfield manager John Rooney and chairman Rob Smethurst commented on the team's performance and reported celebrations within the town after the match.