Non-league Macclesfield almost challenged their FA Cup prospects once again

“I really couldn’t be prouder of the team. For us to play two Premier League teams and only lose by an own goal is something I’m extremely proud of.”

“All the players have gone down and Sam is obviously the same, after he scored an own goal. It’s normal, but every player knows what he has achieved for this club on this journey, so we should all be very proud.”

“We are now back to our bread and butter in the league. We train twice a week and we produced this performance against a Premier League team. How can you not be proud of this achievement?”

“I started my football career at this club and I started my coaching career at this club. We want to continue and promote. We want to try to reach the play-offs.”

Macclesfield fans arrived in a storm of optimism, with the rainbow that descended over this compact stadium after a storm two hours before kick-off an omen that they could strike another pot of gold.

And how they enjoyed another visit from a Premier League side, chanting “West Ham away” after hearing the fifth round draw, then “Are you Palace in disguise” as they tore into Brentford – physically and football-wise – in the opening exchanges.

Macclesfield captain Paul Dawson, the goal hero in the 2-1 win over Palace, was inches away from a repeat with a 20-yard shot that went wide.

Every classic element of the FA Cup was present in the mix. The non-league side who boast a host of PE teachers, podcasters and property developers in their squad are shaking up elite opposition, with the added factor of Moss Rose’s 4G synthetic surface.

There was nothing artificial in the atmosphere as every Macclesfield fan complained of another shock in the cold night air.

Few other competitions can provide such a spectacle, and the FA Cup delivered once again.

In some ways, the half-time whistle came at a bad time for Macclesfield as it upset their momentum and allowed Brentford to take a breath and regroup.

Brentford boss Andrews made seven changes, leaving his big attacking weapons Igor Thiago and Kevin Shade completely sidelined. It was a high-risk strategy and there were moments in the first 45 minutes when it looked like it might backfire.

Even after suffering the devastating blow of a Heathcote own goal, Macclesfield refused to let Brentford simply finish the game, clearing the ball several times in the box before referee Darren England blew the final whistle on this FA Cup trip.

Macclesfield will now return to the real world against Kings Lynn Town on Saturday – but they have created FA Cup memories that will live forever with the promoted club’s players and fans.