Own Goal Saves Bees: Brentford Escape Macclesfield Upset In FA Cup Thriller

Last Updated:February 17, 2026, 07:49 IST

Brentford edged Macclesfield 1-0 at Moss Rose after Sam Heathcote’s own goal. Macclesfield had earlier ousted Crystal Palace. The Bees now face West Ham in the FA Cup last-16.

Brentford avoided one of the shocks of the FA Cup round with a nervy 1-0 win away at sixth-tier Macclesfield on Monday night.

But it was anything but comfortable.

Separated by 116 places in the English football pyramid, the Premier League side were expected to cruise. Instead, they were pushed all the way at Moss Rose. Macclesfield, who had already dumped holders Crystal Palace out in the previous round, matched Brentford for energy and organisation.

Despite making seven changes, Brentford still had enough quality on paper. It took until the 70th minute to make the breakthrough, and even that came via misfortune. PE teacher Sam Heathcote inadvertently headed into his own net from Aaron Hickey’s cross to hand the visitors the lead.

Macclesfield, managed by John Rooney, brother of former England captain Wayne Rooney, refused to fold. They pushed hard in the closing stages but couldn’t find an equaliser to force extra time.

Brentford’s reward? A last-16 trip to West Ham United.

Fifth-Round Draw Throws Up Blockbusters

Elsewhere, the FA Cup draw delivered intrigue.

League One side Mansfield Town, fresh from a 2-1 comeback win at top-flight Burnley, were handed a glamour home tie against Premier League leaders Arsenal.

Arsenal warmed up in style, thrashing Wigan Athletic 4-0 with four first-half goals. Mikel Arteta’s side remain in the hunt for an unprecedented quadruple.

So do Manchester City, but Pep Guardiola’s men face a far tougher test against Newcastle United: the fifth meeting between the sides this season after City knocked Newcastle out of the League Cup.

Elsewhere, Chelsea travel to Hollywood-backed Wrexham, while Liverpool head to bottom-placed Wolverhampton Wanderers, confident of progress.

The magic of the Cup? Still very much alive.

(with AFP inputs)

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