Macclesfield realise impossible dream in rise from ashes to a day of historic glory

Rob Smethurst’s resurrection of a troubled but proud club is timely reminder that football can still be the people’s game

Macclesfield Town's Josh Kay celebrates with fans following the Emirates FA Cup third round match at the Leasing.com Stadium, Macclesfield. Picture date: Saturday January 10, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Martin Rickett/PA Wire. 

FA Cup Third Round: Macclesfield 2 Crystal Palace 1

From extinction to the impossible dream of becoming the greatest FA Cup giantkillers of all, Macclesfield’s story reminds that community will forever be football’s greatest asset. As fans celebrated victory over the holders, Crystal Palace, many took their time to peel away from the stadium. Not too long ago, many feared they may never return to Moss Rose.