'He is here with us' - Macclesfield make FA Cup history on emotional day

Media caption,

Paul Dawson scored the opening goal for Macclesfield against Crystal Palace - watch highlights (UK only)

ByGary Rose

BBC Sport journalist

When the final whistle blew to confirm non-league Macclesfield's stunning FA Cup upset of holders Crystal Palace, it prompted memorable scenes. Fans poured on to the pitch and lifted captain Paul Dawson into the air.

With his head bandaged after a clash early in a remarkable 2-1 win, Dawson embodied the spirit and character of the whole team as they made light of being ranked five divisions and 117 places below their Premier League opponents.

In terms of the difference in league places, it was the greatest shock in the prestigious competition's long history. The gap was not evident on the pitch - Macclesfield fully deserved the result.

It was a win earned against a backdrop of tragedy.

Image source, AFP via Getty Images

Image caption,

Macclesfield forward Ethan McLeod, who died in a car accident last month, was remembered at Moss Rose

On 16 December, Silkmen forward Ethan McLeod died in a car accident while travelling back from their National League North match at Bedford Town.

He was in the thoughts of all those connected to Macclesfield throughout their memorable day on Saturday.

A picture of him hung between the dugouts while there was a banner paying tribute in the stands at Moss Rose. The 21-year-old's parents were at the game.

"I just walked in the office then and his parents are in the office celebrating with us," Macclesfield boss John Rooney said afterwards.

"I said to his parents: He is definitely watching down on us today. I feel he is here with us.

"To have his mum and dad here - to come into the changing room, to come into the office. That means so much to me."

'That has to be the biggest upset'

It isn't that long since Crystal Palace were celebrating an FA Cup upset of their own, beating Manchester City at Wembley last May to win the trophy for the first time.

But whereas Macclesfield's players played with passion and pride, Palace were well out of sorts. This was their ninth consecutive game without a win in all competitions.

Victory made Macclesfield the first non-league team to eliminate the FA Cup holders since Crystal Palace knocked out Wolves in the 1908-09 first round.

The Silkmen also became the first non-league team to score twice in an FA Cup match against a Premier League team since Kettering Town versus Fulham in 2009, and the first against the holders since Runcorn against Preston in 1939.