In one of the most astonishing results in the long history of the FA Cup, non-league Macclesfield FC have sensationally knocked out the competition's holders, Crystal Palace, in the third round. The 2-1 victory at Moss Rose on Saturday 10 January 2026 has been confirmed as the biggest shock in the tournament's history when measured by the league positions separating the two clubs.
A Historic Victory Against All Odds
The gulf between the sides was a staggering 117 places, smashing the previous record gap of 108. Macclesfield, who play in the sixth-tier National League North, defeated a Premier League giant that had lifted the trophy just eight months prior by beating Manchester City at Wembley. This marks the first time since 1909 that the reigning FA Cup holders have been eliminated by a non-league opponent.
The heroes for the so-called Silkmen were Paul Dawson and Isaac Buckley-Ricketts, who scored the goals that sent the home support into delirium. Dawson, the club captain, headed his side in front two minutes before half-time. Yeremy Pino managed a late consolation for a beleaguered Palace side, but it was not enough to prevent a monumental upset.
Emotion and Dedication Behind the Triumph
The victory was laden with raw emotion. Manager John Rooney, brother of former England star Wayne, was left almost speechless. "I can't believe it. Or get my head around it. I'm lost for words at the minute," he said, gesturing to the celebrating fans and players. "You can see the joy in them out there." He and captain Dawson dedicated the win to 21-year-old forward Ethan McLeod, who tragically died in a car accident after a game the previous month.
The humble reality of non-league football was starkly illustrated by Dawson, who revealed he had helped clear snow from the Moss Rose pitch ahead of a league match just days before the historic cup tie. Watching from the stands, a visibly emotional Wayne Rooney told the BBC he was "so proud" of his brother's calmness and achievement.
Palace's Stunned Reaction and Macclesfield's Phoenix Story
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner offered no excuses, frankly admitting his team "deserved to lose" and had "lacked everything." Despite making six changes, his lineup still included England internationals Marc Guehi and Adam Wharton, underlining the scale of Macclesfield's accomplishment.
The victory is a fairy-tale moment for a club that has risen from the ashes. The original Macclesfield Town was wound up in 2020 with debts exceeding £500,000. Reborn as Macclesfield FC, they started again in the North West Counties Football League and have now etched their name into FA Cup folklore alongside other giant-killers like Hereford and Blyth Spartans. As the final whistle blew, fans streamed onto the pitch to celebrate a result that truly encapsulates the magic of the cup.
