In one of the most astonishing results in the long history of the FA Cup, non-league Macclesfield toppled the reigning champions, Premier League side Crystal Palace, with a stunning 2-1 victory in the third round.
A Historic Day for The Silkmen
The scale of this FA Cup upset is almost without precedent. Crystal Palace, who lifted the trophy for the first time in May by beating Manchester City at Wembley, were brought crashing back to earth by a team lying 117 places below them in the English football pyramid. Macclesfield, currently 14th in the National League North, defied all logic and expectation to secure their place in the competition's folklore.
How the Shock Unfolded
The home side, managed by John Rooney—younger brother of England legend Wayne—took a deserved lead just before half-time. Captain Paul Dawson rose highest to power a header into the net from a Luke Duffy corner, sending the Moss Rose crowd into delirium.
The dream intensified on the hour mark when Isaac Buckley-Ricketts doubled Macclesfield's advantage, leaving the Premier League outfit shell-shocked. Palace manager Oliver Glasner, whose team sits 13th in the top flight, had started England internationals Marc Guehi and Adam Wharton and introduced club-record £35 million signing Brennan Johnson at the interval, but to little initial effect.
A Nervy Finale and Famous Victory
The holders finally found a response in the 90th minute when Jeremy Pino expertly curled in a free-kick. With six minutes of added time announced, a grandstand finish ensued. However, Macclesfield's defence, marshalled superbly throughout, held firm under intense pressure to seal a truly famous win.
This result stands as a powerful reminder of the enduring magic of the FA Cup. For Crystal Palace, their greatest day was swiftly followed by one of their most humbling, as the non-league minnows wrote their own unforgettable chapter in the competition's rich history.
