Giant Killers Macclesfield Eliminate FA Cup Holders Palace

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Macclesfield's captain, Paul Dawson
Macclesfield's captain, Paul Dawson (Credit SportsEye via Shutterstock)

In one of the most astonishing cupsets ever, non-league phoenix club Macclesfield FC have beaten the current FA Cup holders, Crystal Palace, in the third round. Ranked a whopping 117 places below Palace in the league system, National League North side Macclesfield beat Oliver Glasner’s men 2-1 at Moss Rose (capacity: 5,300). The victory made Macclesfield the first non-league side to beat the FA Cup holders since 1909… and the non-league side that achieved the feat back then was none other than Crystal Palace!

Minnows Macclesfield Clip Eagles’ Wings


Macclesfield are managed by John Rooney, the younger brother of former England and Manchester United star Wayne. This is John’s first managerial post, and it will take something special to top this giant-killing result against Premier League side Crystal Palace. Captain Paul Dawson put the home side in front just before half-time with a fine header from a free kick. Just before the free kick was taken, Dawson was getting assistance with a bandage wrapped around his head, but that didn’t distract him, and his well-placed header gave Palace keeper Walter Benitez no chance.

After the break, Palace attempted to get themselves back into the game, but it was Macclesfield who struck again. After something of a scramble, Isaac Buckley-Ricketts poked in to make it 2-0. Despite the pressure, the Silkmen held firm and created as many chances as the visitors. Eventually, the quality of the top-flight side forced a breakthrough, and Yeremy Pino scored in the 90th minute to provide a nervous last few minutes for the home fans.

Macclesfield held on, however, and the delirious home supporters raced onto the pitch at the final whistle to celebrate with the players. It was only eight months ago that Palace were celebrating after beating Manchester City in the FA Cup final at Wembley. Indeed, this would have felt like a final for the part-time players of Macclesfield. Next up for Rooney’s men is another Premier League side as Brentford will make the trip to Macclesfield in the fourth round. As for Palace, it’s back to Premier League action at the weekend as they attempt to get back to winning ways after weeks of poor form.

Wrexham Join Giant-Killing Party


In a round that included loads of goals and some cracking matches, it was Hollywood-backed Wrexham who pulled off one of the other big cupsets. The Welsh side, owned by a consortium backed by Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds, were playing in the National League in the 2022/23 season. After three consecutive promotions, however, they are now in the top 10 in the Championship, and this would have been a tricky tie for any Premier League side. For Nottingham Forest, who are not exactly flying at the moment, this had “banana skin” written all over it.

That proved to be the case in this thrilling 3-3 draw that was ultimately decided by penalties. The home side were 2-0 up at the break after goals from Liberato Cacace and Ollie Rathbone, and the Premier League side looked rattled. In the second half, Sean Dyche’s men began to assert themselves and got one back through Igor Jesus. But Wrexham re-established their two-goal cushion minutes later when Dom Hyam headed past Matz Sels.

Facing a humiliating exit from the cup, Forest sub Callum Hudson-Odoi took it upon himself to restore some pride. He scored twice, in the 76th and 89th minutes, his second reminiscent of David Platt’s famous World Cup goal for England in 1990. All square at 3-3 at the final whistle, neither side could find a winner in extra time, and so it all came down to penalties. After a couple of fine saves from Wrexham stopper Arthur Okonkwo, the home side won the day to set up a fourth-round home tie against fellow Championship side Ipswich Town.

Goal-Packed Games Delight Fans


Of the 31 FA Cup third-round games played between Friday and Monday (one was postponed), a whopping total of 129 goals were scored. That goal average (4.16 goals per game) is way above the average for the Premier League, or indeed any other major league. The highlight, from a goals perspective, was Manchester City putting 10 past sorry Exeter. At least the minnows scored a consolation to make it 10-1 at the final whistle.

Seven other games saw six or more goals scored, including Chelsea’s 5-1 win at Charlton, Bristol City’s 5-1 battering of Watford, and Newcastle’s 3-3 draw with Bournemouth (which the Magpies won on penalties).

Many fans felt the “magic of the FA Cup” would be lost when replays were removed ahead of last season’s tournament. But based on the giant-killing results mentioned above – and indeed many others in this season’s third round – this is still the best football competition around.