Macclesfield’s remarkable FA Cup journey came to a painful conclusion at Moss Rose as Brentford edged their fourth-round meeting by the narrowest of margins.
The sixth-tier side, who had already knocked out holders Crystal Palace in the previous round, once again rose to the occasion and matched opponents placed seventh in the Premier League for long stretches of the contest.
The decisive moment arrived with 20 minutes remaining. Defender Sam Heathcote inadvertently diverted Aaron Hickey’s delivery into his own net, handing Brentford the breakthrough in cruel fashion.
It was a bitter blow for Heathcote, a PE teacher by profession, and for a Macclesfield team that had shown greater attacking intent during the opening period against a Brentford side reshuffled by manager Keith Andrews, who left several senior figures, including Igor Thiago, out of the squad.
Despite the 116-league gap between the clubs, Macclesfield — seventh in the National League North — competed admirably. In the end, fatigue and misfortune denied them another famous upset.
Spirited silkmen more than match visitors
Determined to repeat their shock victory over Palace, John Rooney’s men began with confidence and energy, unsettling their top-flight visitors in the first half.
Captain Paul Dawson, who had scored in the previous round, came close again when a powerful effort from distance drifted narrowly off target. Luke Duffy also threatened but could not keep his attempt down from the edge of the penalty area.
Brentford improved after the interval as the hosts’ early intensity began to fade. The physical demands of the opening half gradually reduced Macclesfield’s sharpness.
Even so, it required the unfortunate intervention from Heathcote to separate the sides. After conceding, the tiring non-leaguers continued to press and caused late unease before being applauded warmly at the final whistle.
Though eliminated, Macclesfield exited the competition with their heads held high.
Brentford survive scare to set up West Ham trip
For Brentford, the objective was simple: navigate a tricky away tie and advance. Ultimately, that task was completed, but the performance left room for improvement.
The visitors struggled for fluency early on and were careless in possession, allowing Macclesfield to dictate spells of play. For a time, it appeared Andrews’ decision to rotate heavily might backfire.
Relief came via the own goal, sparing the Premier League side the fate suffered by Palace in the previous round. From there, Brentford managed the closing stages to secure progression.
They now move on to face West Ham United in the fifth round, having avoided a significant upset — even if the display offered little satisfaction beyond the result itself.