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National League North side Macclesfield have produced one of the biggest FA Cup upsets in history after beating Premier League outfit and cup holders Crystal Palace 2-1 at Moss Rose. The Silkmen, who were reformed in October 2020, were good value for their victory on Saturday lunchtime.
Facing a team which included the likes of Manchester City target Marc Guehi and Manchester United-linked Adam Wharton, hosts took the lead in the closing stages of the first half as captain Paul Dawson produced a bullet header from a free kick. Palace rang the changes at half time but they made little difference.
Instead the non-league side doubled their advantage with former City youngster Isaac Buckley-Ricketts flicking a shot beyond the dive of the Palace goalkeeper. Christantus Uche thought he had pulled a goal back for the visitors but his goal with 20 minutes remaining was ruled out for offside.
Palace did manage to pull a goal back just before added time in the second half when Yeremy Pino curled home a brilliant free kick from the edge of the box. However, the goal proved to be little more than a consolation.
The full time whistle sparked special scenes at Moss Rose with the home fans flooding onto the field to celebrate with their heroes. The last time a non league side knocked out the FA Cup holders was in the 1908/09 season when Palace themselves were the minnows and eliminated Wolverhampton Wanderers from the competition.
Macclesfield's giantkillers also featured a couple of United links with Luis Lacey, brother of Shea, featuring for the Silkmen while Wayne Rooney's brother John is the manager of the side. The non league club will now enter the fourth round draw on Monday night where they could meet City or United should they progress.
MEN Sport spoke to Buckley-Ricketts in 2024 about his time with City. Reflecting on the start of his career, he said: "Everything changed from it being a dream to being a dream that seemed reachable and you are trying to make that a reality.
"Being at the City Academy it is a big pool of great players but England is like that times two. Initially you are nervous but once you play it instils confidence that you are not there by accident."
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