Macclesfield’s chairman, Rob Smethurst, openly admitted to being the first to rush onto the pitch in celebration after the remarkable victory against Crystal Palace last Saturday. The Silkmen, positioned 117 places below their Premier League opponents and the defending champions, pulled off a stunning 2-1 win, marking the most significant upset in the competition’s history in terms of league position difference.
Following Paul Dawson’s crucial first-half header and Isaac Buckley-Ricketts’ subsequent goal, securing the lead, the home team managed to hold off Crystal Palace during a tense six minutes of added time.
Smethurst enthusiastically shared his excitement, describing the experience as akin to winning the FA Cup after advancing to the fourth round. He expressed his joy for Macclesfield, highlighting the post-match celebrations within the town and community.
In contrast, Oliver Glasner, the Eagles’ manager, voiced his disappointment at the unexpected defeat, attributing the loss to a lack of quality and effort from his team. Glasner acknowledged the need for more pride and better performance from his players, expressing his frustration at their shortcomings.
The chairman’s elation stood in stark contrast to Glasner’s dismay, underscoring the intense emotions surrounding the historic match. The victory sparked jubilation in Macclesfield, leaving a lasting impression on the community and fans alike.