Brentford edge past Macclesfield in FA Cup clash
Brentford scraped through to the FA Cup fifth round on Monday evening, avoiding what would have been a humiliating exit at the hands of non-league Macclesfield, reports BritPanorama.
The Premier League outfit triumphed 1-0 at Moss Rose, although the scoreline flattered them considerably. Sam Heathcote, the unfortunate Macclesfield defender, headed into his own net in the 70th minute to settle a contest that had been poised to produce another giant-killing.
Despite sitting 116 places above their National League North opponents in the football pyramid, Keith Andrews’ side was outplayed for long stretches in a spirited encounter. The Silkmen had famously dispatched Crystal Palace in the previous round and showed no intimidation against their top-flight visitors, seizing control during an impressive opening 45 minutes.
Captain Paul Dawson, who had already cemented his place in Silkmen folklore with his heroics against Palace, came desperately close to breaking the deadlock inside 20 minutes. After dispossessing Vitaly Janelt, the skipper charged forward but could only fire his shot narrowly wide of Hakon Valdimarsson’s right-hand post. Luke Duffy proved a constant threat on the right flank, sending one fierce effort sailing over the crossbar.
The hosts’ energy and determination exposed the visitors’ sluggish start. Misplaced passes from full-back Michael Kayode typified Brentford’s early struggles. Manager Keith Andrews made seven alterations to his starting lineup, which raised eyebrows; top scorers Igor Thiago and Kevin Schade were omitted from the squad entirely, while club-record signing Dango Ouattara began on the substitutes’ bench.
As the match wore on, the part-timers’ legs inevitably began to tire, allowing Brentford to establish a foothold in the final third. Aaron Hickey found space down the left flank and delivered the cross that proved decisive, with Heathcote glancing the ball agonisingly past his own goalkeeper. Romelle Donovan squandered a chance to double the lead ten minutes later, blazing over after skilfully evading his marker.
The Bees now progress to face West Ham in the fifth round, marking only their third appearance at this stage in the club’s history and their first since 1989. For Macclesfield, the cup adventure ends, though the run is expected to generate approximately £400,000 for the club. The Silkmen will now refocus on their National League North campaign as they pursue a fourth promotion since reforming following their winding-up in the High Court.
This match served as a timely reminder of the unpredictable nature of the FA Cup, where form often falls by the wayside, and underdogs can rise to the occasion. The contrast in experience and stature sometimes gives way to the raw enthusiasm and ambition of teams determined to make their mark.
