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Matt Badcock: Should Macclesfield’s feat be seen as the best?

Hereford, Sutton, Altrincham, Colchester, Yeovil, Wimbledon, Luton, Lincoln. Now Macclesfield FC – the list of FA Cup shocks involving Non-League clubs beating a top-flight opponent has a new name at the table.

by
The Non-League Football Paper Team
18 January 2026

Isaac Buckley-Ricketts cannot hide his excitement after scoring Macclesfield’s second goal against Crystal Palace

Macclesfield FC stun holders Crystal Palace in the FA Cup
By Matt Badcock

Hereford, Sutton, Altrincham, Colchester, Yeovil, Wimbledon, Luton, Lincoln. Now Macclesfield FC.
The list of FA Cup shocks involving Non-League clubs beating a top-flight opponent has a new name at the table. Pull up a chair, Silkmen, and take your place in folklore of the world’s greatest knock-out competition.
What unfolded at their Moss Rose home last weekend will be enshrined in opening TV titles, FA Cup compilations and quiz questions forever more.
As will many images of the day. The sight of Sam Heathcote tuck...

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