Macclesfield ‘held their own’ in historic FA Cup upset against Crystal Palace – ‘We’ll go on and win it now!’ says captain Paul Dawson

Macclesfield, formed five years ago as the phoenix club of the liquidated Macclesfield Town, took the lead just before half-time, before doubling their advantage on the hour mark.

Spain international Yeremy Pino scored a stunning free-kick in the 90th minute to set up a nail-biting finish at Moss Rose, but Macclesfield – 14th in the National League North and 117 places below Oliver Glasner’s side in the pyramid – held firm to create history and book their spot in the fourth round.

Captain Paul Dawson put Macclesfield ahead with a thumping header from a free-kick and insisted, “It’s my best foot, my head!”

He told TNT Sports after the game: “What a shift from the boys, honestly.

‘What a moment!’ – Dawson nets ‘fantastic header’ as Macclesfield STUN holders Palace

Video credit: TNT Sports

“You could tell the difference – they move the ball really quick, but I thought the lads, after the gaffer’s team-talk, (was) exactly how we wanted it. Sat in a low block, got them on the counter. I think we created more chances than they did. We more than held our own.”

Dawson was speaking to TNT Sports with his head bandaged up after sustaining a cut before scoring his goal.

He added: “With the shape of my head, I didn’t know where (the ball) was going to come off. It’s my best foot, my head!

“It was a great ball from Duffs (Luke Duffy) as well. What a ball. This club is unbelievable. It’s a really proud moment. We’re gonna win it now! We might as well! If we play like we did today, who knows?”

Before he went to join the celebrations which were going on all over the pitch, Dawson paid tribute to former player Ethan McLeod, who tragically lost his life in a car crash following a league game last month.

“That was for him. Big team performance, we dug in really well, and that was for Ethan.”

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