A TOAST TO THE FA CUP

Macc hero Heathcote drinks it in after stunning reminder of this competition's charm

- BY ANDY DUNN

SEASON in, season out, everyone's faith in the magic of the FA Cup is put to a stern test.

Ridiculous kickoff times, draws before a round is complete, managers fielding weakened teams. But every season, the grand old competition delivers a response.

Every season, something happens that makes you keep the faith.

Last season, it was Crystal Palace winning their first-ever major trophy by beating the formidable Manchester City.

And this season, the same Eagles fans who wept joy at Wembley, stood and applauded Macclesfield's players and fans after one of the FA Cup's greatest shocks. If not the greatest.

It was a magical moment. And, regardless of Macclesfield's fourth-round fate, one that will stay with the part-timers for the rest of their lives. "It's not supposed to happen, is it? It's not, it's really not," said Macclesfield defender Sam Heathcote, a teacher at a primary school in Altrincham.

"I didn't expect to be going into school on Monday having won. I know a few of the kids might have been watching.