Small Club Macclesfield FC Beats Big Team Crystal Palace in FA Cup

Macclesfield FC, a team from a lower league, has achieved something amazing by beating Crystal Palace, a top team, in the FA Cup. This win is very special for the club and its fans, showing the magic of football.
By Newsroom | Football, England |

Macclesfield FC, a club from the sixth tier of English football, has captured national and international attention with its remarkable performance in the FA Cup. Their journey has seen them defy considerable odds, most notably by eliminating holders Crystal Palace, a Premier League side. This achievement has not only created lasting memories for players and fans but has also brought wider recognition to the club and the town of Macclesfield. The team's unexpected success has sparked discussions about the enduring magic of the FA Cup and has provided a significant boost to the club's standing and its future prospects.

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Club's Resurgence and FA Cup Heroics

Macclesfield FC's current success stands in stark contrast to its recent past. The club experienced significant hardship, with fears that it might never return to its home ground, Moss Rose. The near collapse of the previous iteration, Macclesfield Town FC, and its subsequent sale on a property website, highlights the precariousness of the club's existence. This backdrop makes their FA Cup triumphs even more poignant.

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  • Historic Victory: Macclesfield defeated FA Cup holders and Premier League side Crystal Palace 2-1. This win marked a significant moment, being the first time a sixth-tier team had eliminated a top-flight team in the FA Cup's history. It also represented the greatest league position difference for a winning side in the competition.

  • Emotional Significance: The victory was deeply emotional for all connected with the club. Many felt the win was a tribute to Ethan McLeod, a 21-year-old forward who tragically died in a car accident in December while returning from a match. Tributes, including a picture and a banner, were present during the game. Manager John Rooney reportedly met with McLeod's parents after the match.

  • Managerial Influence: John Rooney, brother of former England captain Wayne Rooney, masterminded the win. His parents were in attendance to witness the historic achievement.

Fan and Community Reaction

The FA Cup run has been met with widespread jubilation and disbelief within the Macclesfield community. The magnitude of the achievement has resonated deeply with fans who have endured difficult times.

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  • Unforeseen Success: Fans described the win as being "beyond our wildest dreams." Many found it difficult to comprehend the reality of their team's success, with the club's name appearing prominently in national news and on social media platforms.

  • Local Pride: The triumph has been a significant moment for the town of Macclesfield, whose identity is closely linked to its football heritage. Local businesses and institutions, such as the Silk Museum, have publicly celebrated the club's achievement.

  • Enduring Memories: The FA Cup matches have created "memories to last a lifetime" for both players and supporters, underscoring the tournament's ability to create such indelible moments.

Club Ownership and Behind-the-Scenes Narrative

The recent history of Macclesfield FC's ownership adds another layer to its extraordinary story. The club was purchased by Rob Smethurst under unusual circumstances, contributing to the narrative of a club rising from the ashes.

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  • The Purchase: Rob Smethurst reportedly bought the club while intoxicated after a four-day "bender" in Ibiza, making the acquisition via the property website Rightmove. He claims not to fully remember the decision at the time, noting he was at a "low point in his life."

  • Club's Phoenix-like Rise: This acquisition occurred approximately five years after the 146-year-old Macclesfield Town FC was dissolved. The current iteration, Macclesfield FC, represents a new chapter built on the club's historical foundations.

The Next Challenge: Facing Brentford

Following their historic win against Crystal Palace, Macclesfield faced another significant challenge in Brentford, a Premier League side, in the next round of the FA Cup.

  • Respect from Opponents: Brentford acknowledged Macclesfield's achievement, with fan and podcast co-editor Dave Lane referring to the match as a "huge banana skin" and expressing "massive respect" for Macclesfield's previous victory.

  • A Repeat of History? Macclesfield aimed to "defy odds again" and potentially replicate their giant-killing feat. The team showed early promise in the match, appearing more cohesive and energetic than their opponents in the first half.

  • Close Contest: Despite playing a full half of football where they were the more threatening team, Macclesfield ultimately lost to Brentford by a single goal, an own goal by Sam Heathcote. The team was exhausted but still managed to create anxious moments for Brentford and received a "rousing ovation" at the final whistle, acknowledging their considerable effort.

  • Key Actors: Macclesfield FC, Crystal Palace, Brentford FC, John Rooney (Manager, Macclesfield FC), Wayne Rooney (Former England Captain), Ethan McLeod (Deceased Player, Macclesfield FC), Rob Smethurst (Owner, Macclesfield FC), Sam Heathcote (Player, Macclesfield FC), Paul Dawson (Player, Macclesfield FC).

  • Key Events: Macclesfield FC defeats Crystal Palace in the FA Cup (January 2026). Death of Ethan McLeod (December 2025). Rob Smethurst purchases Macclesfield FC. Macclesfield FC plays Brentford in the FA Cup.

Sources Used

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How did Macclesfield FC beat Crystal Palace?
Macclesfield FC won 2-1 against Crystal Palace in the FA Cup. This was a big surprise because Crystal Palace is a much bigger team.
Q: Is this the first time a small team beat a big team in the FA Cup?
Yes, it is the first time a team from the sixth tier of English football has beaten a top-flight team in the FA Cup. It's a very special moment.
Q: What does this win mean for Macclesfield FC?
This win brings a lot of attention to Macclesfield FC and the town. It gives hope to the club and its fans after they had some hard times before.
Q: Did Macclesfield FC win their next game?
After beating Crystal Palace, Macclesfield FC played against Brentford, another strong team. They played well but lost by one goal.
Q: Who is the manager of Macclesfield FC?
John Rooney, the brother of famous player Wayne Rooney, is the manager of Macclesfield FC. He helped lead the team to this big win.