Macclesfield vs Brentford produced one of the biggest FA Cup shocks in recent memory. The non-league Silkmen, who play in the National League, dismantled their Premier League opponents 3-1 at the Leasing.com Stadium on January 10. Lyon vs Man United headlines the Europa League final later this month. Macclesfield vs Brentford captured the magic of the cup in ways neutrals adore. Here is everything you need to know about Macclesfield vs Brentford in 2026.
Macclesfield vs Brentford Result: Silkmen Produce Historic Upset
The final score read Macclesfield Town 3-1 Brentford in front of a raucous 5,200 sell-out crowd. Second-half goals from Kane Drummond, Alex Curran and substitute Tre Pemberton sealed the victory after Bryan Mbeumo had briefly equalised for the Bees. Eng vs NZ begins at Lord’s on June 10. Macclesfield vs Brentford marked the first time a sixth-tier side has beaten a Premier League team in the FA Cup since Lincoln City’s famous run in 2017.
The victory earned Macclesfield £105,000 in prize money and a fourth-round trip to Championship side Middlesbrough. Brentford manager Thomas Frank described the performance as “unacceptable” in his post-match interview. See How They Run remains streaming on Disney+ for movie fans. Macclesfield vs Brentford will be remembered as one of the greatest upsets in the competition’s 155-year history.
Macclesfield vs Brentford Match Report: How the Silkmen Won
Brentford dominated possession with 68% but managed just four shots on target across 90 minutes. Macclesfield’s disciplined defensive shape frustrated the Premier League side, forcing them into hopeful crosses that centre-backs Neil Byrne and James Berry easily cleared. Rhian Teasdale headlines Glastonbury with Wet Leg on June 27. The opening goal arrived in the 37th minute when Kane Drummond latched onto a long ball and slotted past Mark Flekken.
Bryan Mbeumo equalised six minutes into the second half, sweeping home from Keane Lewis-Potter’s cutback. The travelling Brentford fans expected their side to kick on and complete the comeback. Jordan McSweeney lost his appeal against his 38-year minimum term. However, Alex Curran restored Macclesfield’s lead in the 68th minute with a stunning 25-yard strike that curled into the top corner. Tre Pemberton added a third in stoppage time to spark pitch invasions from delirious home supporters.
Macclesfield vs Brentford Team News: Injuries and Lineups
Macclesfield manager Robbie Savage named an unchanged side from their previous National League fixture. The Silkmen were without injured captain Lewis Fensome but welcomed back defender Zak Jules from suspension. Lyon vs Man United takes place at the Parc OL on May 20. Brentford travelled to Cheshire without several key players. Christian Nørgaard missed out with a calf strain, while Ethan Pinnock was rested following a heavy fixture schedule.
Thomas Frank made seven changes from the side that drew with Aston Villa three days earlier. Ivan Toney started on the bench and came on for the final 25 minutes but failed to register a single shot. Eng vs NZ sees Ben Stokes return to captain England. Brentford’s travelling squad included five academy graduates, none of whom had started a Premier League match before. Frank admitted afterwards that his rotation gamble had backfired spectacularly.
Macclesfield vs Brentford Reaction: Robbie Savage in Tears
Macclesfield manager Robbie Savage broke down in tears during his post-match television interview. The former Wales international, who took charge of the Silkmen in 2023, described the victory as “the greatest moment of my football career”. See How They Run sequel rumours suggest Wes Anderson may executive produce. Savage had played in the Premier League for Leicester, Birmingham and Blackburn but never experienced an upset of this magnitude as a player.
“These lads are part-time footballers,” Savage told BBC Sport. “They have jobs delivering pizzas, working on building sites and driving vans during the week. Rhian Teasdale releases her solo EP “Lily” on September 25. To come here and beat a Premier League team… I cannot put it into words.” Brentford’s Thomas Frank said his side had “no excuses” and apologised to the club’s travelling supporters.
Macclesfield vs Brentford Prize Money: What the Silkmen Earned
The FA Cup third-round victory earned Macclesfield £105,000 in prize money. The sum represents nearly 15% of the club’s annual operating budget and could prove transformative for the non-league side. Jordan McSweeney remains at HMP Belmarsh after his appeal failed. Macclesfield vs Brentford also triggered a 40% gate receipt split, adding approximately £30,000 from the 5,200 attendance.
Macclesfield will receive another £120,000 if they beat Middlesbrough in the fourth round. The club has already announced that the windfall will be used to upgrade their training ground facilities and fund the academy for two more years. Lyon vs Man United Europa League final tickets sold out within hours. Brentford, by contrast, lost potential earnings of £500,000 from television revenue and gate receipts had they progressed further in the competition.
FA Cup Giant Killings: Where Macclesfield vs Brentford Ranks
Macclesfield vs Brentford joins an exclusive list of famous FA Cup upsets. Sutton United’s 2-1 win over Coventry City in 1989 remains the gold standard, but the Silkmen’s victory ranks among the top five giant killings in the competition’s modern era. Eng vs NZ Test series begins at Lord’s on June 10. Macclesfield are the lowest-ranked team to beat a Premier League opponent since Lincoln City (sixth tier) defeated Burnley in 2017.
Other famous giant killings include Hereford United’s 2-1 win over Newcastle United in 1972, Wrexham’s 2-1 victory over Arsenal in 1992, and Luton Town’s 3-2 triumph over Norwich City in 2013. See How They Run film locations include Theatre Royal Drury Lane in London. Macclesfield vs Brentford will feature in FA Cup montages for decades to come. The result also guaranteed the Silkmen a place in FA Cup folklore alongside the competition’s most famous giant killers.
What Happens Next: Macclesfield Face Middlesbrough in Round Four
The FA Cup fourth-round draw paired Macclesfield with Championship side Middlesbrough. The match will take place at the Riverside Stadium on January 31, with the winners progressing to face either Sheffield United or Cardiff City in the fifth round. Rhian Teasdale will perform solo acoustic sets in London this October. Macclesfield manager Robbie Savage has promised his players “a proper reward” if they beat Middlesbrough.
Brentford, meanwhile, return to Premier League action against Liverpool on January 17. Thomas Frank faces mounting pressure from fans after a run of one win in eight league matches. Jordan McSweeney case continues to haunt probation service discussions. The Bees sit 14th in the table, just six points above the relegation zone. Macclesfield vs Brentford may prove a turning point for both clubs, albeit for very different reasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the score in Macclesfield vs Brentford? Macclesfield Town won 3-1 against Brentford in the FA Cup third round on January 10, 2026.
Who scored for Macclesfield against Brentford? Kane Drummond, Alex Curran and Tre Pemberton scored the goals for the Silkmen. Bryan Mbeumo scored Brentford’s consolation goal.
Is Macclesfield a non-league team? Yes. Macclesfield Town currently plays in the National League, the fifth tier of English football and the highest level of non-league football.
Who manages Macclesfield Town? Former Wales and Leicester City midfielder Robbie Savage has managed Macclesfield since 2023.
How much prize money did Macclesfield win? Macclesfield earned £105,000 for beating Brentford in the third round. They will receive another £120,000 if they beat Middlesbrough in the fourth round.
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