A second-half own goal spelled the end of the Cinderella story for sixth-tier Macclesfield FC, as the Silkmen fell 1-0 to Brentford at Moss Rose on Monday in an FA Cup fourth round tie.
John Rooney and Macclesfield’s bid to upset another Premier League side came up just short after stunning Crystal Palace in the third round to deliver one of the biggest upsets in FA Cup history.
His crew was alive for another PL upset after halftime when a desperation headed block of a cross went inside their goal.
It’ll be Keith Andrews’ Bees and not the Silkmen who reach the fifth round as West Ham United awaits the Londoners.
Macclesfield vs Brentford final score: 0-1
Sam Heathcote o.g. 70'
Macclesfield own goal — Macclesfield 0-1 Brentford
This is going to be a bigger ask now.
Brentford have been whipping crosses into the mix and Macclesfield back Sam Heathcote tries to nod one out of play and instead pushes it inside his keeper’s near post in the 70th minute.
Halftime — Macclesfield 0-0 Brentford
Brentford seized control to the tune of 78% of the ball and an 8-3 advantage in shot attempts, but it remains scoreless and the Silkmen have shown that they understand the assignment.
We’re in for an interesting second half before learning who gets to meet West Ham in the fifth round.
Exhale entry for Bees fans
If you’re Brentford and following these live updates, the Bees are on over 80% possession.
Macclesfield have just manufactured two notable chances.
Another close call for the Silkmen
Now Paul Dawson steps into a low drive from distance and he just misses the post, the ball bounding with a tease off the back of the stanchion behind the goal.
0-0, 19'.
Giveaway gives a chance
Romell Donovan makes a bad interior pass and Macclesfield have a chance to go in front.
Winger Luke Duffy jumps onto the ball and tears into a shot that is too powerful to stay under the bar.
Macclesfield lineup
Dearnley. Borthwick-Jackson, Fensome, Dawson, Edmonson, Osborne, Lacey, Heathcote, Duggy, Buckley-Ricketts, Mellow
Brentford lineup
Valdimarsson, Kayode, Collins, Pinnock, Hickey, Janelt, Jensen, Yarmoliuk, Donovan, Furo, Nelson
Macclesfield vs Brentford preview
Macclesfield are sixth in the National League North, but all eyes are on this tie as the Silkmen bid to add another London foe to their resume after upending FA Cup holders Crystal Palace in the third round. Rooney, the former MLS player and younger brother of Wayne Rooney, is in his first managerial job and feeling good.
Brentford are in much better shape than Macclesfield’s previous FA Cup opponent, as the Bees just had a 1-1 midweek draw with Arsenal in the Premier League that could’ve easily been a win.
Keith Andrews’ men are four points off the top five and 16 points clear of a relegation zone that some saw as a preseason probability after Thomas Frank left the club for Tottenham Hotspur. The Bees handled Sheffield Wednesday in the third round and can dream of a deep run to Wembley as they head to Moss Rose.
Macclesfield team news, focus
The Silkmen remain without star forward Danny Elliott (knee), and have some familiar names including former Man City starlet Isaac Buckley-Ricketts and ex-Man United prospects Cameron Borthwick-Jackson and D’Mani Mellor. Otherwise healthy, they’ll hope to use their ground, crowd, and guts to outfox the Bees.
Brentford team news, focus
Nathan Collins and Ethan Pinnock did not play in the midweek draw with Arsenal while Mikkel Damsgaard and Jordan Henderson were late subs. All four feel likely to start and Reiss Nelson could, too, as the Bees remain without Kevin Schade (red card suspension), Antoni Milambo (knee), Fabio Carvalho (torn ACL), and Josh Dasilva (knee). Rico Henry picked up a late knock versus the Gunners, too.
Macclesfield vs Brentford prediction - By Joe Prince-Wright
Another fairytale is possible but it seems like Brentford will learn from Palace’s mistakes and do the damage on the break and from set pieces. Macclesfield 0-2 Brentford.
How to watch Macclesfield vs Brentford live, stream link and start time
Kick off time: 2:30pm ET Monday
Venue: Moss Rose — Macclesfield, Cheshire
TV Channel/Streaming: ESPN+
