MACCLESFIELD OF DREAMS

Minnows pull off biggest FA Cup shock in history by dumping holders Palace out

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MACCLESFIELD produced the greatest FA Cup upset ever to dump holders Crystal Palace out in the third round.

A massive 117 places separated National League North Macc and Premier League Palace ~ nine more than the previous biggest margin of FA Cup giant-killing.

It is also the first time non-league opposition have knocked out the holders since 1908-09 when, ironically, then-Southern League Palace beat Wolves.

Goals from Paul Dawson and Isaac Buckley-Ricketts either side of halftime sent the Silkmen through, despite Yeremy Pino's 90th-minute reply for a Palace side who play five leagues above the minnows in the pyramid.

Macc fans invaded the pitch at full-time and boss John Rooney — brother of Manchester United and England legend Wayne ~ said: “I cant believe it, we never thought we would be in this position.

“We were incredible from the first minute and were deserved winners. I couldn't be any prouder of the lads’

It was in fact only 30 seconds before skipper Dawson spilled blood for the Macclesfield cause, cutting open his head in the first aerial challenge.