Macclesfield knock holders Crystal Palace out of the FA Cup

Macclesfield beat holders Crystal Palace 2-1 at Moss Rose to reach the FA Cup third round; the result ended Palace's run and marked the first time since 1909 that holders lost to non-league opposition.

Macclesfield defeated holders Crystal Palace 2-1 at Moss Rose to reach the FA Cup third round. The result came against opposition 117 places higher in the English football pyramid and ended Palace's run as holders. The occasion was marked by a sellout crowd and tributes to 21-year-old Ethan McLeod, who died in December; a banner with his image was displayed during the match. The win represents Macclesfield's first third-round appearance since the club was reformed in 2020. Match facts: - Final score: Macclesfield 2, Crystal Palace 1. - Goals: Paul Dawson headed Macclesfield in front before half-time; Isaac Buckley-Ricketts scored on the hour; Yeremy Pino converted a 90th-minute free-kick for Palace. - The sides were separated by 117 places in the English football pyramid. - Palace named Adam Wharton, Chris Richards and Marc Guéhi from last season's Wembley-winning side in their starting lineup. - The crowd was a sellout of more than 5,348 and Crystal Palace donated their share of ticket sales to Macclesfield. - This is the first time since 1909 that the FA Cup holders have been eliminated by non-league opposition. Summary: Macclesfield advance to the FA Cup third round after a 2-1 win that eliminated holders Crystal Palace, a result noted for the large gap between the clubs and for the symbolic elements around the match. Undetermined at this time.