Non-league Macclesfield almost had FA Cup chances denied again

“I really couldn’t be more proud of the team. I’m incredibly proud that we went head-to-head with two Premier League teams and only lost by an own goal.

“All the players are gutted and obviously Sam is the same; he scored an own goal. Every player knows what they have done for this club, so we should all be proud.

We are now returning to our primary focus in the league. We train twice a week and we had that performance against a Premier League team. You should be proud of that achievement.

“I started my football career at this club and I also started my managerial career there. We want to progress and get promoted. We want to try and go to the playoffs.”

Macclesfield fans arrived with a storm of optimism; after a storm two hours before kick-off, a rainbow appeared over this compact, atmospheric stadium, offering an omen that they could claim another pot of gold.

And how he enjoyed another visit to the Premier League team, chanting “West Ham away” after hearing of the fifth-round draw, then “Are you Palace in disguise?” as he tore into Brentford – physically and with his football – in the opening exchanges.

Paul Dawson, the captain of Macclesfield and the hero of the 2-1 victory against Palace, narrowly missed a rematch with a 20-yard shot.

the non-league team shook up the elite opposition.

The mix included every classic FA Cup element. With the added factor of Moss Rose’s 4G artificial surface, the non-league side shook up the elite opposition, with a group of PE teachers, podcasters, and property developers in their squad.

There was nothing artificial about the atmosphere and every Macclesfield fan felt another whiff of the cool night air.

Few other competitions could deliver such a spectacular performance and the FA Cup was reorganised.

In some cases, the half-time whistle came at a bad time for Macclesfield, as it disrupted their momentum and allowed Brentford to breathe and regroup.

Brentford head coach Andrews made seven changes, leaving out his big attacking weapon Igor Thiago altogether. It was a high-risk strategy and there were moments in the first 45 minutes that looked like it might backfire.

And even after Heathcote suffered the devastating blow of an own goal, Macclesfield refused to allow Brentford to close out the game, forcing several tough clearances in the area before referee Darren England blew the final whistle on this FA Cup odyssey.

Macclesfield will now return to their real-world existence against King’s Lynn Town on Saturday – but they have made FA Cup memories that will live forever with the players and fans of one club.