Record breakers - Palace player ratings and comment

Macclesfield stun FA Cup holders

It still doesn’t feel real, except my hangover tells me otherwise. Not for one moment did I consider that Macclesfield had a remote chance of causing an unprecedented upset against the FA Cup holders, Crystal Palace. But this magnificently resilient and inspirational club had other ideas.

The greatest FA Cup upset in history. An unforgettable day which probably will never be surpassed. I feel so privileged to have witnessed it and been part of the journey.

I’m especially delighted for the many supporters who have been with the Silkmen through thick-and-thin, for Rob Smethurst and the club’s employees, John Rooney and the players who have had both their critics and their challenges, both physically and emotionally following Ethan’s passing. Yesterday was for everyone connected with Macclesfield FC.

The quadruple is on!

Remarkably the Silkmen are still vying for contention in the National League North, the FA Trophy (Woking away on Tuesday night), the dizzy heights of the FA Cup and, less we forget, the Cheshire Senior Cup.

But it’s the FA Cup with all its riches that represents the biggest prize of all. Another £121,500 was added to the kitty after ending Palace’s rein which literally has shocked the world.

What makes this so satisfying is that yesterday’s triumph wasn’t a case of smash and grab from John Rooney’s magnificent men. It was a controlled, disciplined and resolute display with pockets of standout quality which made our 2-1 win so richly deserved. John Rooney set us up perfectly against Premier League opponents and the players executed the plan to the letter.

So…. who do you want in the fourth round? City? United? Or how about a trip to St James’ Park? Do you want an away day or another memorable day at the Moss Rose? I can barely contain my excitement ahead of Monday’s draw.

Player ratings

Dearnley 8 - showed good handling and concentration as Palace hurled crosses and corners into the box. Possibly got his angles wrong on the free-kick for the visitor’s goal?

Fensome 9 - Rooney made a big call picking him ahead of Luke Matheson who did well against Radcliffe on Tuesday. But Fenners justified his faith with a resolute defensive display. Sensible and decisive on and off the ball, got forward when he could and was involved in the build-up to our crucial second goal.

Heathcote 9 - cool, calm and collected. Never looked remotely rattled and just dealt with any threat in his relaxed stride. Exuded confidence.

Menayese 9 - big Rollin mopped up everything in the air and on the deck. A towering presence throughout, but particularly after Palace scored and we needed to refocus and see it out. Menayese lead the line brilliantly.

Lacey 8.5 - this 20 year-old, humble lad has taken some stick but can hold his head up high after an excellent display against Palace. Tackled well, rarely got beaten and dealt really well with the threat of Brennan Johnson who was introduced at half-time. I particularly loved Lacey’s double Cruyff turn on the touchline midway through the second half!

Edmondson 9 - a really mature and lively performance from another 20 year-old who we are fortunate to have on loan from Blackburn until the end of this month. Can we extend it? Edmondson is known for being graceful in possession, but yesterday he was tenacious and resolute in the middle of the park, carrying the ball forward and taking the fight to Palace without being overawed.

Dawson 9.5 - literally captain sensational, let alone fantastic. A colossal display of bravery and quality which highlighted what a talent he is and how capable he is of playing much higher. Kept his composure and discipline after suffering a gash to his head early on. Produced some tremendous skill and passes from midfield, showing strength and deft control to buy himself half a yard in a congested midfield. Competed superbly, winning the majority of his duels on the deck and on the floor. And what a sensational, towering and iconic header to send us into delirium to put us 1-0 up and make the impossible, possible.

Duffy 8.5 - produced a huge moment of quality for his pinpoint free-kick delivery which landed smack, bang on Dawson’s head. 70% passing accuracy and two key passes highlight how well he looked after the ball against the likes of Adam Wharton and Will Hughes in midfield.

Kay 8 - back after serving a three-match suspension and rose to the occasion to justify Rooney’s faith. It was his defensive contribution which really stood out yesterday, as he snapped at the heels of Palace players and kept his head after sustaining a yellow card.

Buckley-Ricketts 9 - was he going for goal or just trying to help it on its way? Most give credit to Isaac for his beautifully deft finish which sent the Leasing.com stadium into raptures. Like Dawson, he showed tremendous bravery and desire to attack Palace and play in their half.

Mellor 8.5 - had to feed off scraps from an attacking standpoint, but was exceptional as our first line of defence. Put in an amazing shift in the second half as he pressed and chased everything. Made three successful tackles to prevent Palace from building from the back and D’Mani was a big reason why the FA Cup holders never got going.