Non-league Macclesfield have written one of the most remarkable chapters in the long history of the FA Cup, sensationally knocking out the reigning champions, Crystal Palace, with a famous 2-1 victory at Moss Rose.
A Historic Upset for the Ages
The result sends shockwaves through English football, as Palace became the first holders to lose to non-league opposition since 1909. A gulf of 117 places in the football pyramid separated the Premier League aristocrats from their hosts from the Northern Premier League, but on a raucous afternoon in Cheshire, that counted for nothing. A sell-out crowd of 5,348 witnessed history, with Palace generously donating their share of the ticket revenue to their opponents' coffers.
Oliver Glasner's Palace, who lifted the club's first major trophy at Wembley last May, were a pale imitation of that triumphant side. Despite fielding three players from the final starting lineup – Adam Wharton, Chris Richards, and Marc Guéhi – they were thoroughly outplayed and outfought by a magnificent Macclesfield team managed by John Rooney.
Dawson Leads by Example in Silkmen Triumph
The home side, making their first third-round appearance since the club's reformation in 2020, were inspired by their captain, Paul Dawson. The midfielder, who played with his head bandaged after an early collision, broke the deadlock before half-time, meeting Luke Duffy's free-kick with a powerful header to send Moss Rose into delirium.
The chaos continued after the break, and Macclesfield doubled their lead on the hour mark. In a frantic goalmouth scramble, Isaac Buckley-Ricketts poked home a second after Palace failed to clear their lines, leaving the visiting players stunned. The Premier League side's defence, marshalled by England international Guéhi, looked uncharacteristically vulnerable, particularly when dealing with high balls into the low winter sun.
Palace threw on substitutes including Brennan Johnson in a bid to salvage the tie, but it was too little, too late. A 90th-minute free-kick from Yeremy Pino set up a tense finale, but Macclesfield held firm. The final whistle sparked a joyous pitch invasion, as players, staff, and fans celebrated a result that will be remembered for generations.
Poignancy and Pride at Moss Rose
The occasion carried a profound emotional weight for the Silkmen community, following the tragic death of 21-year-old player Ethan McLeod in a car accident in December. A banner bearing his image was displayed in the main stand, and Palace had earlier sent flowers and condolences. The victory served as a powerful tribute.
For Macclesfield manager John Rooney, the win was especially sweet. He made his professional debut for the club in an FA Cup tie against Everton in 2009 and was embraced at full-time by his assistant, former Everton striker Francis Jeffers. His brother, Wayne Rooney, watched on proudly from the gantry.
This monumental upset reaffirms the magic of the FA Cup and etches the names of Paul Dawson, John Rooney, and the entire Macclesfield squad firmly into football folklore. For Crystal Palace, it is a desperate defence of their crown ended in the most humbling of circumstances.
