Macclesfield stage Palace coup with huge Cup shock

NON-LEAGUE Macclesfield pulled off one of the biggest-ever FA Cup upsets as they knocked out holders Crystal Palace in a remarkable 2-1 win at the third-round stage.

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Macclesfield skipper Paul Dawson celebrates with supporters after the Silkmen's stunning victory against FA Cup holders Crystal Palace

(ALEX LIVESEY - DANEHOUSE)

The National League North Silkmen - who play in the same league as South Shields, Darlington and Spennymoor - reformed in 2020 after Macclesfield Town were wound up.

They sit 117 places below Palace in the pyramid but outfought and out-thought a flat Eagles side to make new history for a club rising from the ashes of the old.

All-action captain Paul Dawson headed Macclesfield in front two minutes before halftime, and Palace failed to muster a response before Isaac Buckley-Ricketts doubled the lead on the hour.

Yeremy Pino's 90th-minute free-kick set up a nervy finish through six minutes of time added on but, eight months after lifting the FA Cup to win their first major trophy, Palace surrendered it with a tame performance as Macclesfield fans poured on to the pitch to celebrate a famous victory.

It was the first time the holders had lost to non-league opposition since Palace themselves beat Wolves back in 1909 while in the Southern League.