Macclesfield pull off FA Cup’s greatest shock by knocking out holders Crystal Palace | FA Cup

Macclesfield etched themselves into the FA Cup history books by pulling off arguably the greatest giantkilling of all time, as they stunned Crystal Palace, the holders, in front of a disbelieving and delirious Moss Rose crowd.

Despite 117 places in the English football pyramid separating the sides, Palace became the first holders to crash out to non-league opposition since 1909. Palace were a shadow of the side that romped to Cup success last season – the club’s first major trophy – despite including three of that Wembley lineup. They were picked apart by John Rooney’s inspired Macclesfield, spearheaded by Paul Dawson, their captain. His header set the upset in motion before half-time, with Isaac Buckley-Ricketts scoring a scrappy second on the hour mark.

A Palace defence including the England defender – and Manchester City target – Marc Guéhi looked listless and confused dealing with second-half balls sent up into the low sun, as Macclesfield basked in their moment.

It was the Silkmen’s first appearance in the third round since their rebirth in 2020 – although the club’s former iteration, Macclesfield Town, had Cup pedigree, upsetting higher calibre opponents in Bolton and Cardiff.

Rooney, who broke through as a player at Macclesfield with one of his first games a substitute appearance against Everton in a third round tie in 2009, embraced fellow ex-Blue Francis Jeffers, his assistant manager at the end. Another former Evertonian, Rooney’s brother, Wayne, smiled on from the gantry.

In front of a sellout crowd – Palace donated their share of ticket sales to ensure a further boost to the Silkmen’s coffers – this was a chance to witness history. It had been a poignant occasion too, after the death of Ethan McLeod in a car accident last month. A banner with McLeod’s image hung from the main stand. Palace sent Macclesfield a bouquet of flowers and a message of condolence after the crash.

Macclesfield looked more than a match for their illustrious visitors from the first whistle, however, with Dawson resembling Terry Butcher with his head was strapped up after an early collision.

After a quiet start, the first chance fell to Palace’s Yeremy Pino, though after a burst down the left he sent a scuffed effort comfortably wide. Christantus Uche zipped one over the hosts’ crossbar but otherwise Palace were passive.

As Macclesfield sensed their opportunity, the visitors became increasingly frustrated as their grip on the first half loosened. Justin Devenny was the recipient of an angry rollicking by Glasner after being sloppily caught offside.

Palace frustration turned to fury as Dawson, who had dominated in midfield, latched on to Luke Duffy’s free-kick to head Macclesfield in front. It was comic-book stuff – but it was hardly against the run of play. If ever a player was deserving of a goal it was the Silkmen’s captain, who roared off to celebrate with the home fans.

Glasner had to react at half-time and he duly did, sending on the cavalry as Brennan Johnson, Will Hughes and Tyrick Mitchell were introduced and the formation changed. Yet it was more of the same as the second half started in a frenzy.

The chaos suited the Silkmen and they managed to find an almost unfathomable second, as Buckley-Ricketts got the last touch after Palace made a mess of clearing their lines despite several attempts. As the ball rolled over the line, the Palace stood dumbfounded as more mayhem ensued in the stands.

Macclesfield pushed for a third for a time. But after Uche and Mitchell came close to reducing the arrears for the beleaguered Premier League side, Pino’s 90th-minute free-kick made it 2-1 and ensured a nervy finish. Then came the whistle and an ecstatic pitch invasion.