The FA Cup once again lived up to its reputation as football’s most unpredictable competition, delivering a stunning upset as sixth-tier Macclesfield Town eliminated the reigning holders Crystal Palace in the Round of 64.

On a night that perfectly captured the spirit of the FA Cup, the underdogs showed no fear against top-flight opposition. Roared on by their home supporters, Macclesfield Town matched Palace’s intensity and belief, proving that league status counts for little once the whistle blows.

The breakthrough arrived just before half-time when Dawson sent the home crowd into disbelief by opening the scoring. The fairytale gathered real momentum in the 60th minute as Buckley-Ricketts doubled Macclesfield’s lead, sending shockwaves through English football and leaving Crystal Palace on the brink.

The Premier League side pushed desperately for a response, but their efforts brought only a late consolation. Deep into stoppage time, Pino pulled one goal back, though it proved far too little and far too late to save the holders.

A famous 2-1 victory saw Macclesfield Town claim the ultimate scalp — knocking out the defending FA Cup champions and the winners of the latest FA Community Shield.

2025-26, England - FA Cup

Macclesfield Town - Crystal Palace 2:1 (1:0)
Goals: Dawson, 43 (1:0); Buckley-Ricketts, 60 (2:0); Pino Y., 90 (2:1)

Macclesfield Town: Dawson; Buckley-Ricketts

Crystal Palace: Benitez W.; Guehi; Canvot (Mitchell T., 46); Sosa B.; Richards Chr.; Rodney K. (Hughes W., 46); Pino Y.; Uche; Wharton A.; Devenny (Casey B., 69); Drakes-Thomas (Johnson B-n, 46)
Substitution: Mitchell T. (from 46); Johnson B-n (from 46); Hughes W. (from 46); Casey B. (from 69)
Bench: Henderson D.; Lacroix M.; King G.; Benamar
Yellow Cards: Sosa B. 62; Guehi 76