In a result that defies logic and rewrites the history books, non-league Macclesfield FC have knocked defending champions Crystal Palace out of the FA Cup with a 2-1 victory at a delirious Moss Rose.
Bridging a chasm of 117 league places—the largest gap ever overcome in an FA Cup tie involving the holders—the sixth-tier side produced a performance of heroic discipline and clinical finishing to humiliate their Premier League guests.
The Miracle at Moss Rose
Macclesfield, a club reborn in 2020 after the liquidation of Macclesfield Town, entered the Third Round tie as overwhelming underdogs. Yet, under the management of John Rooney—brother of Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney—the Silkmen played with a fearlessness that rattled the visitors from the first whistle.
Crystal Palace, who lifted the trophy at Wembley just eight months ago, looked lethargic and disjointed. Manager Oliver Glasner fielded a strong lineup including England internationals Marc Guéhi and Adam Wharton, but they struggled to cope with the intensity of the hosts on a cold, crisp afternoon in Cheshire.
The breakthrough came in the 43rd minute. Macclesfield captain Paul Dawson, sporting a bandage around his head reminiscent of historic cup battles, rose highest at the back post to power home a Luke Duffy free-kick. The goal sent the capacity crowd of 5,348 into pandemonium, giving the National League North side a 1-0 lead at the break.
A Second Half of Disbelief
Expected to rally in the second half, Palace instead found themselves further behind just past the hour mark. Following a chaotic scramble in the penalty area, former Manchester City academy graduate Isaac Buckley-Ricketts produced a moment of improvisation, back-heeling the ball past goalkeeper Walter Benitez to double Macclesfield’s lead.
It was only in the dying moments that the Premier League side showed their quality. In the 90th minute, substitute Yeremy Pino curled a stunning free-kick into the top corner to make it 2-1, setting up a nerve-shredding six minutes of stoppage time.
However, Macclesfield’s defense, marshaled by goalkeeper Max Dearnley, withstood the late barrage. When the final whistle blew, fans flooded the pitch in scenes of unbridled joy, celebrating the first time a non-league team has eliminated the FA Cup holders since 1909.
“For Ethan”
The victory was laden with emotion for the home side, coming just weeks after the tragic death of 21-year-old striker Ethan McLeod in a car accident. A banner dedicated to McLeod hung from the stands, and manager John Rooney dedicated the historic win to him.
“This was for Ethan and his family,” Rooney told reporters, fighting back tears. “To beat the champions, with the quality they have, is a miracle. But these lads have spirit you can’t buy.”
For Crystal Palace, the defeat marks a disastrous low point in their season and ends their defense of the cup at the first hurdle. For Macclesfield FC, January 10, 2026, will be remembered forever as the day they brought the champions to their knees.
Match Summary
- Macclesfield FC: 2 (Dawson 43′, Buckley-Ricketts 60′)
- Crystal Palace: 1 (Pino 90′)
- Venue: The Leasing.com Stadium (Moss Rose)
- Attendance: 5,348 (Sold Out)