Sixth-Tier Macclesfield Stuns FA Cup Champions in Epic Upset

A team playing six tiers below England's Premier League just knocked out the reigning FA Cup champions in a result that defies belief.

Macclesfield Town, a club rebuilt from liquidation just five years ago, defeated Crystal Palace 2-1 on Saturday in what's officially the most unlikely result in the 153-year history of the FA Cup. The teams were separated by 117 places in English soccer's pyramid.

The victory carried profound emotional weight. Just three weeks earlier, Macclesfield lost 21-year-old forward Ethan McLeod in a car crash after a match. His family watched from the stands as a banner bearing his name hung behind the team benches.

"We finished the game and then I walk in the office and see Ethan's mum and dad in there, that's very special to me," said manager John Rooney, younger brother of Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney. "I'm sure Ethan was looking down on us today."

Captain Paul Dawson put Macclesfield ahead just before halftime. Isaac Buckley-Ricketts scrambled home a second goal in the 60th minute, sending the modest 5,900-seat stadium into delirium.

Palace pulled one back in the final minutes, forcing six agonizing minutes of stoppage time. Fans chanted "Silkmen! Silkmen!" as their team held on for history.

At the final whistle, supporters sprinted onto the field in celebration. Players carried Dawson and defender Duffy on their shoulders as the crowd roared.

Why This Inspires

This story captures everything beautiful about sports. A club that literally ceased to exist in 2020 because of debts has been rebuilt by its community. They're currently sitting 14th in the sixth tier, yet they just defeated one of England's elite teams.

John Rooney is in his first season as a manager after playing for the club his entire career. "I didn't think it was possible but there is that little bit of hope that anything can happen on the day," he said. "I can't believe it. We were incredible from the first minute."

The players delivered this result while grieving their teammate, with his parents present to witness something extraordinary born from their tragedy.

Meanwhile, Palace's misery was complete when U.S. defender Chris Richards committed a foul throw in the dying seconds. "I have no words for this performance," said Palace manager Oliver Glasner.

Macclesfield's reward is a place in the fourth round draw and a permanent spot in FA Cup folklore, proving that magic still exists in soccer.