Isobel Fry,in Macclesfieldand
Angela Ferguson,North West
Elated and scarcely believing Macclesfield fans are celebrating their team achieving the biggest shock in the long and rich history of the FA Cup.
The Silkmen, who play in the sixth tier of English football, beat the cup holders and Premier League stalwarts Crystal Palace 2-1 at the Leasing.Com Stadium to reach the fourth round.
Messages of congratulations immediately flooded in on social media, including one from Macclesfield Town Council, which said: “Amazing work fellas!”
Following the win, Macclesfield FC – ranked 117 places below Palace in the football pyramid – posted on social media: “It’s David who beat Goliath against all odds!”
The town council added: “Picked yourself up off the floor yet?! To all the team and every single member of the staff – well done!!!”
Former England captain Wayne Rooney, whose younger sibling John Rooney manages the team, said: “Couldn’t be any prouder of my brother John.
“Well done to everyone at Macclesfield. Unbelievable achievement and more than deserved.”
The town’s Labour MP Tim Roca posted on social media to say the result was “football history”, alongside a photo of the scoreboard at the ground.
Fan Sue Smith said: “Never be afraid to dream and believe. What a result, what a team. Beyond proud and in a bit of an emotional state.”
Fellow Macc fan Dean Howard agreed, saying “Get in!! Against all odds!”, while Sarah Evans-Iles said: “Absolutely amazing Macclesfield FC have knocked out the FA Cup holders.”
Reflecting on the death of forward Ethan McLeod in a car accident while travelling back from Macclesfield’s National League North match at Bedford Town in December, Gemma Jackson said: “That was for Ethan, congratulations.”
Edwina Darlow said: “You have done Ethan proud!”
A picture of McLeod was hung between the dugouts and a banner paying tribute to him was also placed in the stands at Moss Rose during the game.
The 21-year-old’s parents were present, with John Rooney telling BBC Sport they were celebrating the win with the club.
He said he told McLeod’s parents their son was watching down on them.
Captain Paul Dawson’s mother Paula Hunt said: “So proud of the full team… but super proud of my son Paul Dawson. Well done my boy.”
Goalkeeper Max Dearnley’s father Anthony Dearnley said “it just goes to show anything can happen” and he was “absolutely ecstatic for Max”.
“Just before the game he said ‘we can do it and we can win it’ and he was so confident that we could,” he added.
East Cheshire NHS Trust posted: “Congratulations Macclesfield FC on your FA Cup win today!”
Crystal Palace fan John Athawes said: “Very well done 6th tier Macclesfield – the magic of the FA Cup, eh?!
“No complaints, you thoroughly deserved the win – and we Palace fans have enjoyed some wonderful underdog triumphs ourselves over the decades, not least at Wembley last May.
“Enjoy it – and keep the dream alive!”
The town’s Silk Museum, which houses a collection celebrating 150 years of football in Macclesfield, said: “Congratulations Macclesfield FC for your historic win!”
Ali Wills was in Macclesfield Market Hall when news of the win came through, and said: “I bet all of Macclesfield heard us shouting in the market.”
Hannah’s Place coffee shop in the town said: “Well done Macclesfield FC! What an absolutely amazing result.”