Macclesfield FC Set for Historic FA Cup Battle Against Holders Crystal Palace
A Phoenix Club’s Remarkable Journey
Macclesfield Football Club, currently competing in the National League North (the sixth tier of English football), has captured the imagination of football fans nationwide. The club is a phoenix club of the former Macclesfield Town F.C., which was wound up after a High Court ruling on 16 September 2020. What followed has been nothing short of extraordinary.
Macclesfield recorded three promotions in four subsequent seasons, winning the North West Counties Premier Division in 2022, the NPL Division One West in 2023, and the NPL Premier Division in 2025. This meteoric rise has brought the Silkmen back into the national spotlight, demonstrating the resilience and passion of the Macclesfield community.
Historic FA Cup Third Round Tie
The club’s remarkable resurgence reaches a pinnacle this weekend as Crystal Palace will begin the defence of their FA Cup crown against Macclesfield away – with kick-off confirmed for 12:15 GMT on Saturday, 10th January. Having claimed the first-ever major trophy in the club’s history last season with a 1-0 win over Manchester City at Wembley in May, Palace’s 2025/26 FA Cup campaign will begin with a trip to National League North side Macclesfield.
The tie at Leasing.com Stadium will be broadcast live in the United Kingdom on BBC One and iPlayer, TNT Sports 1, and discovery+, ensuring massive exposure for the non-league club. The match represents a David versus Goliath encounter that embodies the magic of the FA Cup.
Current Season Progress
Beyond the FA Cup excitement, the Silkmen recently faced Radcliffe in the Enterprise National League North at the Leasing.com Stadium for the first time in 2026. Macclesfield FC announced the signings of Cameron Borthwick-Jackson and Mikey Stone, with defender Borthwick-Jackson, 28, returning to English football following a short stint in Poland with Slask Wroclaw, strengthening their squad for the season ahead.
Significance for Football and Community
Macclesfield FC’s story represents more than just sporting achievement. It demonstrates how a community can rally together to resurrect a beloved institution from the ashes of financial collapse. The upcoming clash with Crystal Palace offers not only a potential giant-killing opportunity but also validates the hard work of everyone involved in the club’s reformation. Regardless of the result, Macclesfield FC has already won by simply making it this far, inspiring other communities facing similar challenges and reminding football fans why the FA Cup remains the world’s most prestigious domestic cup competition.