Macclesfield's magical FA Cup run comes to an end

Macclesfield began their FA Cup journey in the second round of the qualifying stages, needing to win three matches to reach the first round proper in the competition.

The Silkmen took on Atherton Laburnum Rovers in their first qualifying game, which they won 3-0. They then faced Nantwich Town, winning 2-0, and drew Stamford in their final qualifying match of the FA Cup. The sixth-tier side won 1-0, which booked their spot in the competition’s first round proper.

The FA Cup first round draw saw the National League North side take on AFC Totton, and the Silkmen won the game 6-3, scoring three second-half goals to seal a win in the nine-goal thriller.

In the next round, Slough Town hosted Mac, and the away side needed extra-time to reach the third round of the competition. A 3-1 win for the National League North side saw them book their spot in one of the most exciting rounds of the competition.

The third round draw saw John Rooney’s team host FA Cup holders Crystal Palace at the Leasing.com Stadium. The gigantic task on the hands of Macclesfield was an exciting one, as they were eyeing up one of the biggest upsets in the competition’s history, if they won at home vs the Eagles.

The side who play regional football found themselves not 1-0 up, but 2-0 up after 60 minutes. Yeremy Pino scored a 90th-minute consolation goal for the away side, but the defending holders were defeated 2-1 and were subject to one of the biggest FA Cup upsets in history.

Macclesfield’s reward for knocking out Premier League opposition at home was another home draw against Premier League opponents. Brentford were the team to travel to the non-league side in the North West, and the Bees were looking to avoid being the second top-flight club to be knocked out of the competition by the Silkmen.

With the fifth round draw taking place prior to the fixture, both Macclesfield and Brentford learned the winner of the tie would travel to the London Stadium to take on West Ham United in the next round of the competition.

Despite the Silkmen playing well and putting a good account of themselves on show, their magical run came to an end at home. The side lost 1-0, and the Bees booked their spot in the next round courtesy of an own goal.

Although Macclesfield's run has come to an end, their journey will go down in history, with them causing arguably the biggest FA Cup upset in history.