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Macclesfield’s Giant‑Killer Win Over Crystal Palace Fuels Brentford Cup Dream

Updated (5 articles)

Historic Upset Shocks Premier League Giants On January 10, 2026, sixth‑tier Macclesfield defeated FA Cup holders Crystal Palace 2‑1, a result described as the tournament’s biggest giant‑killer upset ever [1]. The victory came despite Macclesfield sitting 117 league places below Palace, underscoring the rarity of such a result [1]. The win instantly entered FA Cup folklore and set the stage for a potential second‑round clash with Brentford [1].

Venue and Community Context Highlight Improbability The match was played at Moss Rose, Macclesfield’s 5,300‑capacity ground with only 2,095 seats, emphasizing the modest resources of the part‑time side [1]. The club, wound up in 2020, was resurrected by businessman Rob Smethurst, who formed a phoenix club that now enjoys renewed community support [1]. This revival has been credited with enabling the cup run and rekindling local football pride [1].

Players Balance Football and Everyday Jobs Defender Sam Heathcote, a full‑time PE teacher, called the win “surreal” and returned to school the following Monday, illustrating the dual‑career reality of many squad members [1]. Captain Paul Dawson, formerly a highway supervisor and now a candle‑maker, said the side entered the Brentford tie with heightened confidence, believing another upset is possible [1]. Their anecdotes provide a human‑interest lens on the achievement, contrasting professional expectations with grassroots dedication [1].

Team Honors Late Teammate and Eyes Next Round Manager John Rooney dedicated the victory to the memory of late teammate Ethan McLeod, whose “sweetest smile” the players said inspired them throughout the match [1]. The squad collectively recalled McLeod during post‑match celebrations, reinforcing the emotional significance of the win [1]. Looking ahead, Macclesfield prepares to face Brentford, buoyed by the confidence gained from toppling Palace [1].

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Timeline

2020 – Macclesfield Town is wound up, ending the original club’s existence; businessman Rob Smethurst later rescues the assets to form a phoenix club that starts in the ninth tier (2021‑22) and begins a rapid climb [3][4].

2021‑2025 – The phoenix club earns three promotions in four seasons, reaching the National League North (sixth tier) by the 2025‑26 season, setting the stage for a historic cup run [3][4].

Early 20th century – No non‑league side has eliminated the FA Cup holders since that era, underscoring the rarity of Macclesfield’s upcoming challenge [2].

May 2025 – Crystal Palace win the FA Cup, defeating Manchester City in the final, and enter the 2026 third round as defending champions [5].

Jan 9, 2026 – Macclesfield hosts defending champions Crystal Palace in the third round, with the match billed as a potential giant‑killing and the FA Cup’s tradition of pitting part‑time players against stars emphasized [5].

Jan 10, 2026 – Macclesfield stun Palace 2‑1 at Moss Rose: Paul Dawson heads the opener from Luke Duffy’s free‑kick, Buckley‑Ricketts doubles the lead, and Yeremy Pino’s late free‑kick cannot salvage a draw; Dawson plays on with a bandaged head, and the team dedicates the win to late teammate Ethan McLeod, whose memory is honored with a banner and a manager’s tribute [2][4].

Jan 10, 2026 – The victory becomes the first time a non‑league side beats the FA Cup holders since the early 1900s and the first non‑league club to score twice against a Premier League team since 2009, prompting pundits to call it one of the competition’s greatest moments [2].

Jan 11, 2026 – The third‑round sees a record 124 goals across 30 ties (4.1 per game) and four hat‑tricks, the most in 14 years; the FA confirms replays are scrapped for the season and VAR/off‑side technology will not debut until the fifth round, aiming to ease a congested fixture calendar [1].

Feb 16, 2026 – Ahead of a fourth‑round tie with Brentford, defender‑teacher Sam Heathcote calls the Palace upset “surreal” and says he returns to school “back down to planet Earth,” while captain Paul Dawson says the side enters the match with heightened confidence, believing “another upset is possible” after “breaking the record” [3].

Feb 2026 (future) – Macclesfield’s next FA Cup match is scheduled against Brentford, offering a chance to test whether the giant‑killing momentum can continue into the fourth round [3].

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