FA Cup: Macclesfield boss Rob Smethurst has joined the pitch invasion after Crystal Palace upset

Macclesfield chairman Rob Smethurst said he felt like his side had “won the FA Cup” after their third-round win over defending champions Crystal Palace on Saturday – and admitted he was “the first one in” when fans stormed the pitch throughout.

The Silkmen beat their Premier League rivals 2-1 despite finishing 117th below them, causing the biggest shock in the history of the competition in terms of the difference in league positions.

Paul Dawson’s first-half header sent the home fans into dreamland, before Isaac Buckley Ricketts shocked Palace further when he scored the second goal after the break.

The final whistle sparked scenes of jubilation as fans raced to the pitch to celebrate.

“I legged him!” Smethurst told BBC Radio 5 Live on Sunday.

“I thought this was going to happen and I thought you knew what I was doing! I thought I needed to hug my players here, I was probably the first one to cause chaos.”

He added: “It was great for Macclesfield. I know the players were partying until three or four in the morning. I mean the city and community scenes yesterday was just one of those experiences I’ll never forget.”

“I came home early, believe it or not. I came back and watched it all again. Amazing scenes. For me, I think we won the FA Cup yesterday.”