Non-league Macclesfield dump FA Cup holders Crystal Palace out in 2-1 thriller | OneFootball

Non-league Macclesfield produced one of the most remarkable shocks in FA Cup history by knocking holders Crystal Palace out of the competition with a 2-1 third-round victory at Moss Rose.

The National League North side, playing six tiers below their opponents, delivered a disciplined and fearless performance to extend Palace’s increasingly worrying run of form.

Goals from captain Paul Dawson and Isaac Buckley-Ricketts were enough to secure a result that will live long in FA Cup folklore.

Macclesfield began the contest with energy and belief, refusing to retreat despite the gulf in status and resources.

Their breakthrough arrived just before half-time when Dawson rose to powerfully head home a well-delivered free kick.

That goal sent Moss Rose into rapture and underlined Palace’s vulnerability when faced with intensity and directness.

The hosts doubled their advantage shortly after the hour mark when Buckley-Ricketts reacted quickest to a loose ball in the box and cleverly flicked past Walter Benitez.

Palace briefly thought they had a route back into the contest when Christantus Uche headed in, only for the effort to be ruled out for offside.

Yeremy Pino eventually reduced the deficit late on with a fine free kick from the edge of the area, setting up a tense finale.

Despite sustained pressure in the closing minutes, Palace were unable to break through a Macclesfield defence that defended with composure and conviction.

The final whistle sparked a pitch invasion as players and supporters celebrated a result that places the club firmly in FA Cup history.

Macclesfield became the first non-league side in 117 years to eliminate the defending holders of the competition.

The achievement carries extra significance given the club’s recent rebirth following financial collapse and their rapid rise through the pyramid.

John Rooney’s side were organised, committed and fully deserving of victory.

The defeat raises further concerns for Palace about direction and confidence following an inconsistent spell in all competitions.

Oliver Glasner rotated his side but still fielded a team with significant Premier League experience.

That experience counted for little as Palace struggled to create clear chances and repeatedly lost second balls.

Set-piece defending once again proved costly, and the lack of control in midfield was glaring.

Palace’s FA Cup defence ended at the first hurdle just seven months after lifting the trophy for the first time in their history.

Macclesfield now await the fourth-round draw, knowing they have already written a chapter that will be remembered far beyond this season.