Non-league Macclesfield delivered one of the biggest surprises in FA Cup history with an impressive performance that eliminated the reigning champions, Crystal Palace.
The hosts were positioned 117 places lower than the Premier League team, making this the most significant upset in the competition’s history based on league rankings.
However, on the field, the difference was negligible, as Macclesfield earned their victory.
Paul Dawson’s fantastic header in the first half sent the home crowd into a frenzy, and Isaac Buckley-Ricketts further stunned Palace by scoring a second goal shortly after halftime.
Yeremy Pino created a tense finish for Macclesfield when he scored from a free-kick in stoppage time, but the team managed to hold on for a historic win.
Palace, who had previously shocked everyone by defeating Manchester City to win the FA Cup last May, controlled possession from the start but struggled to create significant opportunities, continuing their poor form.
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They have now gone nine games without a win, and this result is undoubtedly the most disappointing of that stretch.
The team fielded a mix of young talent and seasoned players for this match, and the youngest player on the field, 16-year-old Joel Drakes-Thomas, nearly gave them the lead in the first half with a missed header from a brilliant cross by Kaden Rodney.
Christantus Uche also came close with a powerful shot that went just over the bar, but then came the moment that Macclesfield fans will treasure forever.
Luke Duffy delivered a superb ball into the box, and Macclesfield captain Dawson rose above everyone to head it into the far corner.
Oliver Glasner brought on experienced Premier League players Tyrick Mitchell, Johnson, and Will Hughes at the start of the second half, but Palace looked shaken and continued to struggle against their National League North rivals.
Meanwhile, Macclesfield played with determination and confidence, believing they could upset Palace, which they did when Buckley-Ricketts reacted quickly to a deflected shot and flicked in a second goal.
Pino’s expertly curled free-kick gave Palace a glimmer of hope as it went just under the bar, but the home side remained resolute to secure the win.
The final whistle triggered scenes of celebration as fans rushed onto the pitch, lifting captain Dawson into the air.
In the last century, there have only been nine instances of non-league teams defeating top-flight opponents in the FA Cup, and this victory holds particular significance for Macclesfield supporters, given the club’s recent struggles.
In 2020, Macclesfield Town ceased operations after 146 years of history. Local businessman Robert Smethurst acquired the club’s assets, and with former player Robbie Savage joining the board, they were reestablished as a new club.
