Macclesfield 2-1 Crystal Palace: Holders dumped out in huge FA Cup shock

FA Cup holders Crystal Palace were sensationally knocked out by non-league opposition as Macclesfield of the National League North produced one of the biggest upsets of all time.

Palace were rattled and ragged throughout as goals from Paul Dawson and Isaac Buckley-Ricketts condemned Oliver Glasner’s side to an historic defeat against opposition 117 places below them in the football ladder.

Yeremy Pino curled in a last-minute free-kick to give Palace hope but they became the first holders to be knocked out by a non-league side since Wolves in 1908-09.

Macclesfield, managed by John Rooney, brother of England legend Wayne, were combative and organised throughout against a Palace XI which failed to have a single shot on target in the first half.

Captain Dawson put the Silkmen ahead when he met a free-kick from Luke Duffy to power a header across Walter Benitez and in.

Incredibly, that made it 10 of the last 11 goals Palace have conceded coming from set pieces as Dawson celebrated being the first non-league player to score an FA Cup goal against the holders since Rocky Baptiste for Farnborough at Arsenal in 2003.

Glasner sent on three subs including club record signing Brennan Johnson at the interval but there was little improvement from the Premier League side.

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It was 2-0 when Buckley-Ricketts turned in an improvised flick past Benitez to send the Moss Rose into incredulous celebration.

Christantus Uche went close a few times for Palace, before heading in from an offside position, and Adam Wharton finally tested Macc keeper Max Dearnley with a powerful shot.

Palace threw men forwards but lacked quality and composure until Pino whipped in a brilliant free-kick. – but Macc held on for a famous win.