Macclesfield manager John Rooney dedicated his side's incredible FA Cup win over holders and Premier League outfit Crystal Palace to the memory of Ethan McLeod
John Rooney (C) smiles as he celebrates the team's victory at the end of the English FA Cup third round football match between Macclesfield and Crystal Palace
John Rooney led Macclesfield to a huge FA Cup upset over Crystal Palace(Image: (Photo by Darren Staples / AFP via Getty Images))
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Emotional Macclesfield manager John Rooney dedicated his side's victory over FA Cup holders Crystal Palace to Ethan McLeod. The Macc striker died in a road accident in December, and the visit of the Premier League Eagles was a poignant occasion for the club.
McLeod's image and words of tribute were displayed behind the home dug-out as Macclesfield, 14th in the National League North, stunned Oliver Glasner's side with an upset the for the ages. Goals from Paul Dawson and Isaac Buckley-Ricketts proved enough for the home side despite Yeremy Pino scoring late on with a free kick.
But McLeod, who was just 21 when he was killed last year, was on Rooney's mind at the end of an enthralling contest.
“When we finished the game, I walked into the office and saw Ethan’s mum and dad in there,” said Rooney. “That was very special to me knowing they were here with us, and I’m sure Ethan was definitely looking down on us today.
Ethan McLeod(Image: )
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“I brought Ethan to the club and I had a special relationship with him, so for me to find out that news and have to phone the players individually and give them the news to them was something that you can’t prepare for.
“Ethan was a special lad and a special talent. To see his parents sat in the office when I walked in is something I’ll hold with me forever.”
“I can't believe it,” added the Macclesfield boss of the result.
“We never thought we would be in this position. "We were incredible from the first minute. I thought we were deserved winners. I couldn't be any prouder of the lads. I couldn't have asked any more of them and you can see the joy in them."