FA Cup: Macclesfield make history on emotional day

Many will feel that Macclesfield fans deserve this moment after the difficulties they have faced in recent years.

In 2020, Macclesfield Town ceased trading, consigning 146 years of football to the history books.

Local businessman Robert Smethurst bought the club’s assets, and with former Wales midfielder Robbie Savage joining the board, it was reformed as the Phoenix FC.

After joining the ninth tier of the North West Counties Premier Division, three promotions in four seasons have lifted them to the sixth tier, where they are just a few points outside the play-off positions despite being in the bottom half of the table.

With Savage departing to join Forest Green Rovers, John Rooney took over and put together a team that played with confidence and purpose, no matter who they faced.

The image of captain Dawson wearing bandages celebrating with the fans is likely to become iconic, certainly among the club’s supporters when they think of a day that will live long in the memory.

“It shows what he’s about,” Rooney said of Dawson.

“He’s going to get cuts and bruises. He’s a fighter. He scores goals too. He’s not the best player, but he’s great in the air.”

Ronnie’s brother Wayne, who was covering the match for BBC Sport, was proud.

“It’s incredible to see my younger brother achieve this,” he said.

“He hasn’t been a manager for a long time. I’m very proud of him.”