02/16/26 03:55:00
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02/16 15:54 CST Own goal dispatches giant-killer Macclesfield as Brentford
moves into FA Cup fifth round
Own goal dispatches giant-killer Macclesfield as Brentford moves into FA Cup
fifth round
MACCLESFIELD, England (AP) --- Brentford will face West Ham in the fifth round
of the FA Cup after dispatching Macclesfield 1-0 on Monday, an own goal ending
the fairy tale run of the sixth-tier giantkiller.
The Macclesfield part-timers knocked out cup holder Crystal Palace in the last
round and were hailed for pulling off one of the greatest shocks in the
competition's long history.
But they could not match Brentford, which progressed thanks to a 70th minute
own goal from Sam Heathcote.
The big defender dived to cut out a cross from Aaron Hickey but instead
diverted the ball past his own keeper.
It was a cruel denouement for Macclesfield, which held the Premier League club
throughout an even first half before tiring in the second 45 minutes.
"I couldn't be any prouder," Macclesfield coach John Rooney told TNT Sports.
"The lads were outstanding and the shape was really good. We train two times a
week and we've put that performance on against a Premier League side."
The fifth-round tie will take place at West Ham's Olympic Stadium on the
weekend of March 7-8.
Brentford has never passed the quarterfinals of the competition.
"Credit to Macclesfield," Brentford captain Nathan Collins said. "They made it
extremely hard for us. They put up a great fight."
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AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
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