Macclesfield 0-1 Brentford: Premier League side edge past non-league Macclesfield thanks to second-half own goal

Macclesfield's remarkable FA Cup run came to an agonising close after a second-half own goal from Sam Heathcote gave Brentford a 1-0 win at Moss Rose and sent the visitors into the fifth round. The non-league side more than matched their top-flight opponents for large spells, but could not find a way past a dogged defensive display that lasted until the 70th minute.

Heartbreak at Moss Rose — a tie settled by misfortune

Macclesfield began the night full of belief and energy, the same spirit that produced a shock win over the holders in the previous round. They dominated early, pressing Brentford's changed XI and carving several openings. Isaac Buckley-Ricketts and Paul Dawson — both heroes from the last round — were heavily involved and tested the visitors repeatedly, the skipper seeing a long-range effort drift just wide.

Brentford's patience told after the interval. As the visitors gradually took control of territory, pressure began to build in Macclesfield's box. In the 70th minute Aaron Hickey worked space down the left and delivered a dangerous cross that Sam Heathcote, attempting to clear, glanced past his own goalkeeper. The strike settled a tight contest and left the Silkmen with little time to overturn the deficit.

Despite the result, the game underlined how quickly cup ties can shift on small margins. Macclesfield had been first to most second balls and frustrated the Premier League side for long periods, but the absence of a cutting finish ultimately proved decisive. Brentford's side, reshuffled for the fixture, were relieved to find a breakthrough and secure a fifth-round trip.

Pride and praise for an underdog journey

There was little shame for Macclesfield in defeat. Captain Paul Dawson reflected on a run that has captured attention across the football pyramid, saying he was proud of every player and that testing themselves against top-level opposition had been "unbelievable". He added that, while defeat stings, the FA Cup memories will endure for the club and town.

Brentford head coach Keith Andrews paid tribute to Macclesfield's spirit, describing the night as a proper cup tie. He praised the way the non-league side had built momentum from their earlier giant-killing and said their togetherness and work ethic had made the match a difficult proposition. "It fills my heart, " Andrews added when reflecting on the club's journey and what the English football pyramid can produce.

The win sends Brentford to a fifth-round trip against West Ham, while Macclesfield's fairy-tale sequence comes to an end. For the Silkmen, reformed in recent years and climbing back through the leagues, the night at Moss Rose will be remembered not for the own goal but for the courage and character they showed against players who ply their trade in the top flight.

Managers on both sides highlighted the competitive nature of the match. Brentford's coach said tweaks at half-time helped his side control large parts of the second period and eventually find the goal they needed. Macclesfield's manager praised his players' togetherness and hailed a cup run that had exceeded expectations — one that has bolstered club pride and drawn new admirers to their cause.

For a small club operating on a fraction of the resources of their visitors, the evening was a reminder of what the FA Cup still offers: drama, close contests and stories that linger long after final whistles. Macclesfield leave with heads held high; Brentford progress, wary but relieved, toward a tougher test in round five.