"It was also displayed in the players' tunnel at Moss Rose as John Rooney's side walked out to attempt a repeat of the historic third-round win against Premier League opposition that left holders Crystal Palace embarrassed and beaten. And for 70 minutes on a freezing Cheshire night, Macclesfield suggested lightning could strike twice as they once again stood toe-to-toe with top-flight opposition, refusing to give an inch."
"It was only then, as tired legs started to betray the National League North side and the gap of 116 places on the game's pyramid finally started to show, that one cruel moment took the dream away. Sam Heathcote, the PE teacher who has been a hero of Macclesfield's FA Cup run, was the victim of the fates this great tournament can inflict along with its glory when he headed Aaron Hickey's cross into his own net."
"I love stories like Macclesfield's. They fill my heart. I though they were awesome and a real tribute to John Rooney and his coaching team."
Macclesfield Town displayed a tifo reading "Against All Odds" and the message appeared in the players' tunnel as the National League North side prepared to face Premier League Brentford. Macclesfield matched top-flight opposition for 70 minutes, standing toe-to-toe and recalling their historic third-round victory over Crystal Palace. The gap of 116 places ultimately told as fatigue set in, culminating in Sam Heathcote heading Aaron Hickey's cross into his own net to gift Brentford the win. Brentford coach Keith Andrews praised Macclesfield's performance, and manager John Rooney expressed pride in his team's togetherness and resilience despite the narrow, heartbreaking defeat.
Read at www.bbc.com
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