Macclesfield owner says ‘I think we won the FA Cup’ following stunning upset

Macclesfield owner Robert Smethurst feels like his side won the FA Cup following their huge third-round upset of Crystal Palace.

The Silkmen stunned their Premier League opponents and Cup holders with a brilliant 2-1 victory to book their spot in the fourth round.

With 117 places separating the two teams, Macclesfield went ahead through Paul Dawson’s header and Isaac Buckley-Ricketts doubled their advantage before Yeremy Pino’s 90th-minute free-kick set up a nervy final few minutes.

However, the non-league outfit navigated the final stages to see out a famous Cup upset which Smethurst admitted was an “unbelievable” experience.

“It was absolutely incredible, the scenes yesterday were just something I’ve never experienced in my life,” he told BBC 5 Live.

“It was just amazing for Macclesfield and I know the lads were partying until three, four o’clock in the morning. The bars were absolutely full, there were people dancing in Macclesfield.

“I mean the scenes for the town and the community yesterday was just one of those unbelievable experiences that I’m never ever going to forget.

He added: “I was home early, believe it or not. I got myself back and watched TV and watched it all over again. Amazing scenes. For me I think we won the FA Cup yesterday. It was amazing.”

The club were reformed in 2020 after Macclesfield Town were wound up and have since gone on to achieve three promotions.

Along with their FA Cup victory, the Silkmen are are 14th in the National League North, three points away from the play-off spots with games in hand.

Smethurst dedicated Macclesfield’s stunning success in the Cup to their fans and Ethan McLeod as the club still comes to terms with the death of their player.

The 21-year-old was killed in an accident while travelling home from their game at Bedford Town on December 16 and Smethurst described Saturday’s triumph as a “special moment” for McLeod and his family.

Speaking about the club, Smethurst said: “When I did buy it, I had no idea what I was buying. I was a bit clueless to understanding football at that point and just thought ‘let’s have a go and see what we can create’.

“That’s what I did and we’ve had three promotions and now obviously this huge upset and creating football history. There are no words.

“This one was for the fans and especially one for Ethan as well, a player that we lost over the last month.

“What a great guy he was. For us it was a very special moment for him and his family.”