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6th tier Macclesfield produce biggest ever FA Cup upset knocking out holders Crystal Palace

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6th tier Macclesfield produce biggest ever FA Cup upset knocking out holders Crystal Palace

6th tier Macclesfield produce the biggest ever FA Cup upset by knocking out holders Crystal Palace in the Third Round on Saturday.

Despite there being 117 positions, and FOUR whole divisions between the two teams, it was the National League North side who advanced through to the Fourth Round.

On the 43rd minute, Luke Duffy sent a curled ball towards the back and Macclesfield captain Paul Dawson rose highest to nod into the far corner, making it 1-0.

Stephen Warnock (on BBC One): “Palace are undone by a set piece again. Macclesfield have had a couple of opportunities from set pieces. This is absolutely brilliant and an absolutely delightful ball. A moment Macclesfield fans will never forget.

Paul Robinson (on BBC Radio 5 Live): “The magic of the FA Cup is well and truly alive, you better believe it! The hope turns into belief. It’s the stuff that dream are made of. It’s an incredible opportunity for Macclesfield, for a club that is at the heart of the community. What a moment for everybody here.

A nervous Crystal Palace side made it an extremely risking for themselves, two or three times they came close to conceding a second.

Macclesfield all over their Premier League opponents, the home crowd singing “you’re getting sacked in the morning!”.

Then came what looked inevitable, yet unbelievable, Macclesfield went two up on 60 minutes. Some called for a penalty but the ball was still in play, a shot sent in and Isaac Buckley-Ricketts managed to turn his body, wrong-foot Walter Benitez and the ball trickled over the line.

Silkmen fans chanting “we want three”, Macclesfield chairman Rob Smethurst couldn’t believe what he was seeing, and Wayne Rooney, John’s brother, watched on in delight.

Palace had a goal disallowed with nearly 20 minutes left of the second half. Christantus Uche netted, but he went too early and was flagged.

On 90 minutes, Yeremy Pino got one back for Palace, setting up a tense finish, scoring a stunning free-kick into the top corner.

But they just couldn’t complete the comeback at Macclesfield were in dreamland. Fans ran onto the pitch. Wayne Rooney was in tears expressing huge pride in his brother.

Macclesfield manager John Rooney, speaking to BBC One: “I can’t believe it, we never thought we would be in this position.

“We were incredible from the first minute. I thought we were deserved winners. I couldn’t be any prouder of the lads.

“I couldn’t have asked any more of them and you can see the joy in them.”

On Paul Dawson: “Dawson is one of them, he is unbelievable in the air. He scores goals from the field and can play centre half, he puts his head where his goals are. He has that passion and sometimes we have to rein him in a bit but he was incredible today. He is a class clown.

“I didn’t think it was possible but there is that little bit of hope that anything can happen on the day.”

Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner speaking to BBC Sport: “We give congratulations to Macclesfield for winning.

“We had no kind of quality today and I saw no one who could win a dribble. Then conceding set goals and timing in the header.

“If you can’t create clear chances, it is a lack of quality that we have shown today. We deserved to lose.”

On his hopes after making changes at half-time: “Quality. From everyone. Honestly, I have no explanation for what I have seen today and we can find excuses but you don’t need tactics and a manager for these games.

“So I think if you just show what you are capable of and show pride then you perform in a different way.”

Macclesfield captain and man of the match, Paul Dawson speaking to BBC One: “I am very happy but very tired. I felt like we kept our shape really well and they didn’t make very much.

“I was surprised [with the win] like I said before, the gaffer gave us a game plan and we all stuck to it and got where we wanted to be.

“I was very calm coming into it and on the pitch. I do get in a few of them head-to-heads each week, so this head isn’t going to get that hurt.

“Macclesfield means the world to me. It’s an immense achievement. I am proud of the boys and proud of the fans. It’s a really big community club.”

Macclesfield goal scorer Isaac Buckley-Ricketts speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live: “I’m feeling very good right now, it’s not setting in yet. We won in the FA Cup, it’s a surreal feeling.

“Prior to the goal we did feel solid but with them being high quality if there’s a lapse in concentration they will take advantage. That goal gave us a massive boost.

“It’s a family feeling because everyone’s here together. We’re going to gather round and enjoy the moment for what it is. I’m lost for words.”

Macclesfield reflect on their transformation and journey in recent years since losing their club

Here’s the social media reaction after 6th tier Macclesfield produce the biggest ever FA Cup upset by knocking out holders Crystal Palace…

@Tushydog: We honestly look like the non league side. Can’t create a chance let alone get a shot off or a score goal. This is incredibly embarrassing #CPFC. But fair play to Macclesfield – they have been by far the better side and totally deserve the win.

@Bexhill_Dave: Macclesfield deserve this, Palace deserve all the criticism and derision heading their way, an absolutely disgraceful performance. #CPFC #Macclesfield

@HunterCPFC: Eze, Olise or Zaha would never have allowed a result like this to happen. Pino, Uche, Devenny, etc…. Biggest downgrade in our history. Hang your heads in shame allowing this to happen @CPFC @CEO4TAG

@PaulRoss787: There is literally no way of even coming out of this without a win. Today has been the worst ive ever seen Palace play and they should still come away with a win. Every single player should be embarrassed of themselves and come out and apologise to those fans that went #cpfc

@Clapham_Grand: Probably the worst I have ever seen #cpfc play. Attitude wrong from the start. Total lack of leadership and understanding of the occasion. Pathetic

@tinafoxftp0208: Massively embarrassed Palace fan here – well done to you guys though, no question you deserved that win. We will get over it and you will never forget it. Good luck next round!

@_KierMoore_: Poor attitude and application from the word go. We don’t deserve anything. Credit to Macclesfield, they’ve been absolutely sensational today. A magnitude of a performance by them. Our performance shouldn’t get the headlines. #CPFC

@Jack_BWFC2021: Despite everything tv companies and premier league etc have done to ruin this competition, it still produces moments like this. Congratulations Macclesfield for beating last years winners, unreal scenes 👏

@HJPM2001: This isn’t just a win for you guys it’s a win for football for years and years PL clubs have been trying to Kill this competition off scrapping replays to play more meaningless games this is a win for the football purists as well enjoy your night 👍🏻



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