SHOULD MACC'S FEAT BE SEEN AS THE BEST?

HEREFORD, Sutton, Altrincham, Colchester, Yeovil, Wimbledon, Luton, Lincoln. Now Macclesfield FC.

- By MATT BADCOCK

The list of FA Cup shocks involving Non-League clubs beating a topflight opponent has a new name at the table. Pull up a chair, Silkmen, and take your place in folklore of the world’s greatest knockout competition.

What unfolded at their Moss Rose home last weekend will be enshrined in opening TV titles, FA Cup compilations and quiz questions forever more.

As will many images of the day. The sight of Sam Heathcote tucking in the loosening bandage on Paul Dawson’s moments before the Macc captain marvel got his bloodied head on the end of Luke Duffy’s perfect delivery.

Isaac Buckley-Ricketts at full stretch to divert a second goal past a wrong-footed Walter Benitez. Chairman and owner Rob Smethurst charging onto the pitch to celebrate with fans who hoisted some of their heroes onto their shoulders, while Palace players apologised to their travelling supporters.

The emotional contrast of the parents of Ethan McLeod, so sadly lost in an accident no long after they beat Slough Town to setup this occasion, in the changing room embracing all the players.

In the days since, manager John Rooney - mere months after hanging up his boots to become manager - has appeared on Match of the Day 2, BBC Breakfast television and The Overlap podcast.