FA Cup
7:30 PMFebruary 16, 2026
Round of 32
Leasing.com Stadium
Referee: Darren England, England
Macclesfield
Brentford
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0.00
Expected goals (xG)
0.00
Passing
68 (43%)
Accurate passes
388 (82%)
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1
G
Max Dearnley
15
D
Luis Lacey
35
D
Cameron Borthwick-Jackson
D
Sam Heathcote
70′
4
D
Lewis Fensome
24
M
Elliot Osborne
7
M
Isaac Buckley-Ricketts
M
Paul Dawson (C)
84′ M
James Edmondson
75′
11
M
Luke Duffy
9
F
D’Mani Mellor
Substitutes
F
James Gale
68′ Replaced by I. BuckleyD
Luke Matheson
72′ Replaced by L. Fensome
5
D
Rollin Menayese
32
D
Kacper Pasiek
23
M
Danny Whitehead
17
M
Carlos Dos Santos
34
M
Michael Stone
8
M
Regan Griffiths
22
F
Justin Johnson
12
G
Hákon Rafn Valdimarsson
2
D
Aaron Hickey
5
D
Ethan Pinnock
22
D
Nathan Collins (C)
33
D
Michael Kayode
M
Vitaly Janelt
21′ M
Yehor Yarmolyuk
77′
11
M
Reiss Nelson
8
M
Mathias Jensen
45
M
Romelle Donovan
47
F
Kaye Furo
Substitutes
F
Keane Lewis-Potter
61′ Replaced by R. NelsonF
Dango Ouattara
71′ Replaced by K. Furo
31
G
Ellery Balcombe
50
D
Josh Stephenson
20
D
Kristoffer Ajer
3
D
Rico Henry
4
D
Sepp van den Berg
49
D
Ollie Shield
M
Luka Bentt
90+4′ Replaced by R. DonovanNo standings data available for this league
Brentford secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Macclesfield in a tense FA Cup Fourth Round clash, with a late own goal proving the decisive moment.
Premier League Brentford advanced to the next stage of the FA Cup with a hard-fought 1-0 win against resilient non-league side Macclesfield on Monday, February 16, 2026. A 70th-minute own goal settled the contest at the Leasing.com Stadium.
This FA Cup tie presented a classic ‘David vs. Goliath’ scenario, pitting top-tier Brentford against the spirited Macclesfield. The Silkmen, representing a lower league, harboured dreams of a famous cup upset on their home turf. Brentford aimed for a professional performance to secure their passage without incident.
From the outset, Brentford asserted their dominance in possession, controlling 75% of the ball. Macclesfield, however, set up to frustrate their Premier League opponents, forming a disciplined defensive block to deny space.
The visitors pressed high and accumulated 15 total shots during the half, but only managed one on target. Macclesfield’s organised defence held firm, effectively restricting Brentford’s efforts to create clear scoring opportunities.
Macclesfield, despite less possession, offered glimpses of counter-attacking threat. They registered eight shots themselves, with one requiring a save from Brentford’s goalkeeper Hákon Rafn Valdimarsson.
The physical nature of the encounter was evident early on. Brentford midfielder Vitaly Janelt received the game’s first yellow card in the 21st minute for a mistimed challenge. The first half concluded goalless, a testament to Macclesfield’s tenacity.
At halftime, Macclesfield could be proud of their disciplined and determined effort, having successfully held a Premier League side at bay. Brentford, meanwhile, knew they needed to find more invention and penetration in the final third.
The second period began with Brentford intensifying their offensive efforts. They made an early tactical change in the 61st minute, with Keane Lewis-Potter replacing Reiss Nelson to inject fresh attacking impetus.
The crucial breakthrough finally arrived in the 70th minute under unfortunate circumstances for the home side. Macclesfield defender S. Heathcote inadvertently turned the ball into his own net, giving Brentford a 1-0 lead. This own goal broke Macclesfield’s staunch resistance.
Macclesfield immediately responded with substitutions, introducing I. Buckley in the 68th minute and L. Fensome in the 72nd minute, as they desperately chased an equalizer. The physical battle continued to heat up in the closing stages.
The final quarter saw a flurry of yellow cards as both sides battled intensely. Macclesfield’s J. Edmondson (75′) and P. Dawson (84′) were booked, alongside Brentford’s Y. Yarmolyuk (77′). Brentford successfully held on to their slim advantage despite the pressure.
Despite Brentford’s overwhelming 75% possession and 15 total shots, they managed only one shot on target, matching Macclesfield’s solitary effort. Curiously, both teams recorded an expected goals (xG) figure of 0, underscoring a game largely devoid of clear-cut scoring chances apart from the decisive own goal.
Brentford now advance to the FA Cup Fifth Round, having navigated a potential banana skin with resilience and a stroke of luck. Macclesfield’s FA Cup journey ends with credit, having pushed their Premier League opponents all the way.