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Sixth-Tier Macclesfield Stun Holders Crystal Palace in Record FA Cup Upset

Reformed in 2020, the sixth-tier club reaches Monday's fourth-round draw after overcoming a 117-place gulf.

Overview

  • Macclesfield beat Premier League champions Crystal Palace 2-1 in the FA Cup third round to advance to the last 32.
  • Captain Paul Dawson headed the opener before Isaac Buckley-Ricketts doubled the lead; Yeremy Pino’s 90th-minute free kick set up a tense finish.
  • The 117-place gap between the clubs is the largest ever overturned in the competition, and it is the first time since 1909 that holders have been eliminated by a non-league side.
  • Manager Oliver Glasner said Palace "deserved to lose" as home fans stormed the Moss Rose pitch and Wayne Rooney was visibly emotional for his brother, Macclesfield boss John Rooney.
  • Macclesfield dedicated the win to late forward Ethan McLeod as the reborn club’s rapid rise under owner Rob Smethurst continued toward the fourth-round draw on Jan 12.