Elated and scarcely believing Macclesfield fans are celebrating their team achieving the biggest shock in the long and rich history of the FA Cup.
The Silkmen, who play in the sixth tier of English football, beat the cup holders and Premier League stalwarts Crystal Palace 2-1 at the Leasing.Com Stadium to reach the fourth round.
Messages of congratulations immediately flooded in on social media, including one from Macclesfield Town Council, which said: “Amazing work fellas!”
Following the win, Macclesfield FC – ranked 117 places below Palace in the football pyramid – posted on social media: “It’s David who beat Goliath against all odds!”
The town council added: “Picked yourself up off the floor yet?! To all the team and every single member of the staff – well done!!!”
Fan Sue Smith said: “Never be afraid to dream and believe. What a result, what a team.
“Beyond proud and in a bit of an emotional state.”
Fellow Macc fan Dean Howard said: “Get in!! Against all odds!”
While Sarah Evans-Iles said: “Absolutely amazing Macclesfield FC have knocked out the FA Cup holders.”
Reflecting on the death of forward Ethan McLeod in a car accident while travelling back from Macclesfield’s National League North match at Bedford Town in December, Gemma Jackson said: “That was for Ethan, congratulations.”
Edwina Darlow said: “You have done Ethan proud!”
Captain Paul Dawson’s mother Paula Hunt said: “Soo proud of the full team… but super proud of my son Paul Dawson. Well done my boy.”
East Cheshire NHS Trust posted: “Congratulations Macclesfield FC on your FA Cup win today!”
Crystal Palace fan John Athawes said: “Very well done 6th tier Macclesfield – the magic of the FA Cup, eh?!
“No complaints, you thoroughly deserved the win – and we Palace fans have enjoyed some wonderful underdog triumphs ourselves over the decades, not least at Wembley last May.
“Enjoy it – and keep the dream alive!”
The town’s Silk Museum, which houses a collection celebrating 150 years of football in Macclesfield, said: “Congratulations Macclesfield FC for your historic win!”
Ali Wills was in Macclesfield Market Hall when news of the win came through, and said: “I bet all of Macclesfield heard us shouting in the market.”
Hannah’s Place coffee shop in the town said: “Well done Macclesfield FC! What an absolutely amazing result.”