FA Cup Fairytale: Macclesfield’s Night to Remember
Macclesfield’s FA Cup fairytale ended by a cruel own goal against Brentford, but the non-league heroes earned pride and praise on a historic night.
Shortly before the start of their FA Cup match against Brentford, Macclesfield fans hoisted a tifo at Star Lane, which read: "Against all odds."
This tifo was also displayed in the players' tunnel at Moss Rose as John Rooney's team took to the field to repeat their historic third-round victory against Premier League opposition, which saw holders Crystal Palace humiliated and defeated.
And for 70 minutes on a bitterly cold Cheshire night, Macclesfield looked as if lightning would strike twice, as they once again stood firm against top-flight opposition, refusing to concede an inch.
When tired legs began to betray the National League North team, and the gap of 116 places in the game's pyramid finally became clear, a fateful moment snatched the dream.
Sam Heathcote, a PE teacher who was Macclesfield's FA Cup hero, fell victim to this remarkable tournament when he headed Aaron Hickey's cross into his own net.
Brentford were immediately rewarded, yet endured some anxious moments before celebrating the victory.
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The honour went to Macclesfield, as Brentford head coach Keith Andrews came to their dressing room to praise their performance, and then also praised their opponents.
He said: "I love stories like Macclesfield's. They warm my heart. I thought they were wonderful and a true tribute to John Rooney and his coaching team."
Despite the disappointment, Rooney praised Andrews' words, saying: "He told us he saw real unity in our group, and that's what we're working on. We have a great changing room, and that takes you a long way.
"I'm really proud of the team. For us to face two Premier League teams and lose by just an own goal is something I'm very proud of."
"All the boys are disappointed, and Sam is obviously disappointed by the own goal. That's natural, but every player knows what they've achieved for this club on this journey, so we should all be very proud."
"Now we're back to our daily routine in the league. We train twice a week, and we've delivered that performance against a Premier League team. Why can't you be proud of that achievement?
"I started my football career at this club and I started my managerial career at this club. We want to move forward and get promoted. We want to try to get into the play-offs."
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Macclesfield fans came full of hope; after a storm two hours before kick-off, rainbow lights shone through the small, atmospheric stadium, making it seem like they could win another gold medal.
And how much they enjoyed another visit from a Premier League team, chanting "West Ham away" after hearing the fifth-round draw, then chanting "Are you hiding at Palace?" as they attacked Brentford in the opening match – both physically and with their football.
Macclesfield captain Paul Dawson, the goal hero in the 2-1 win against Palace, was inches away from repeating the feat with a 20-yard shot that went just off target.
Every classic FA Cup classic was in the mix. The non-league team, whose squad included a PE teacher, a podcaster, and a property developer, stunned top opponents with the added factor of Moss Rose's 4G artificial surface.
There was nothing artificial about the atmosphere, as every Macclesfield fan got another jolt. A jolt in the cool night air.
Few other competitions can produce such a spectacle, and the FA Cup delivered once again.
In some cases, the half-time whistle came at a bad time for Macclesfield, wiping out their momentum and allowing Brentford to regroup.
Brentford head coach Andrews made seven changes, completely leaving out his main attacking force, Igor Thiago. It was a high-risk strategy, and there were moments in the first 45 minutes when it seemed it could backfire.
And even after a dangerous Heathcote own goal, Macclesfield kept Brentford from finishing the game, forcing several desperate clearances in the area before referee Darren England blew the final whistle on this FA Cup campaign.
Macclesfield will now return to the real world on Saturday against King's Lynn Town – but they have created FA Cup memories that will remain with the players and fans of this emerging club forever.
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