FA Cup fourth round: Macclesfield 0 Brentford 1Macclesfield were unable to recreate the magic of last month’s FA Cup win over Crystal Palace, with a Sam Heathcote own goal sending Brentford through to the fifth round after a spirited contest at Moss Rose. A Bees side showing seven changes could not match the will or the skill of a Macclesfield team with a taste for giant-killing and the promise of a fifth-round trip to West Ham awaiting. Macclesfield dominated the first period, first to every ball and bristling with an intent that their more glamourous opponents could not come near. A rare break from Brentford saw Max Dearnley save well from Reiss Nelson but the half-time stalemate flattered the visitors. A moment of indecision from goalkeeper Hakon Valdimarsson almost let Macclesfield substitute James Gale in but moments later the decisive goal arrived.

Source: Irish Examiner February 17, 2026 12:52 UTC