Macclesfield trigger largest shock in FA Cup HISTORY as non-league facet dump out holders Crystal Palace – regardless of being 117 locations aside in soccer’s pyramid

Macclesfield created the biggest shock in the history of the FA Cup as the non-league side overcame holders Crystal Palace in a stunning third round upset.

Palace had enjoyed their greatest day in the club’s history in their last appearance in the competition when they beat Man City at Wembley in May to earn their first major trophy. 

The Eagles were on the wrong end of FA Cup magic this time around with Oliver Glasner‘s side – who lie 13th in the Premier League – coming unstuck against a side 117 places below them in English football’s pyramid.

Macclesfield – who are 14th in the National League North – secured a stunning 2-1 victory over the holders.

Captain Paul Dawson set the scene for the FA Cup upset by heading in from a Luke Duffy corner in the closing stages of the first half. The prospect increased when Isaac Buckley-Ricketts doubled their advantage in the 60th minute.

Palace, who fielded England internationals Marc Guehi and Adam Wharton in their starting line-up and brought on club record £35million signing Brennan Johnson at half-time, were given hope in the closing minutes.

Jeremy Pino curled in a free kick in the 90th minute, before six minutes of added time were signalled.

Macclesfield, who are managed by Wayne Rooney’s younger brother John, held on to seal the stunning FA Cup upset. 

Amid a pitch invasion at Moss Rose following the final whistle, an emotional Wayne seemed on the verge of tears as he praised his brother’s accomplishment.

‘It’s incredible, I am getting emotional to see my younger brother achieve this,’ Rooney said.

‘He’s not been long in management and to get through to the fourth round of the FA Cup and beat Crystal Palace, I am so proud of him.

‘He did [look calm], I don’t know how, it is such an achievement what he has done today, it is absolutely superb.’

Rooney then embraced his brother John as the Macclesfield boss joined the BBC for his post-match interview.

‘I’m the same (in tears), literally,’ John said. ‘I still can’t believe it, I can’t get my head around it. 

‘I thought we were incredible from the first minute, the first half we had a couple of chances, and then we took the lead. I thought we were well deserved winners. 

‘I thought we were incredible to a man, I couldn’t be any prouder of the lads.’