It is the stuff of dreams for the lowest-ranked team left in the FA Cup to take on the holders in the third round. When Macclesfield host Crystal Palace on Saturday it will be one of the biggest days in their recent history, but one also tinged with sadness. On 16 December, Silkmen forward Ethan McLeod died in a car accident while travelling back from Macclesfield's National League North match at Bedford Town. Macclesfield's first game after McLeod's death was postponed, but the club have played three league matches since. Saturday's FA Cup tie is a huge occasion for a club that reformed in 2020 after Macclesfield Town were wound up in the high court.

Source: BBC January 09, 2026 07:26 UTC