Brentford Beat Macclesfield, Face West Ham in FA Cup 2026

Key Points

• Brentford secured a place in the fifth round of the FA Cup after defeating Macclesfield 1-0 on Monday evening.
• The winning goal was an own goal by Macclesfield defender Sam Heathcote in the 70th minute.
• Macclesfield, a sixth-tier part-time side, had previously caused a major upset by knocking out cup holders Crystal Palace in the fourth round.
• This victory for Macclesfield over Crystal Palace was hailed as one of the greatest shocks in the competition’s long history.
• Brentford, a Premier League club, faced resistance from Macclesfield, who held firm through an even first half before tiring in the second 45 minutes.
• Macclesfield coach John Rooney expressed immense pride in his team’s performance, telling TNT Sports: “I couldn’t be any prouder.”
• Rooney further praised his players, stating: “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 own goal occurred when Sam Heathcote dived to cut out a cross from Brentford’s Aaron Hickey but diverted the ball past his own keeper.
• This result ends Macclesfield’s fairy tale run as giant-killers in the competition.
• Brentford now face West Ham in the fifth round draw.

Brentford (East London Times) February 18, 2026 – Brentford will face West Ham in the fifth round of the FA Cup after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Macclesfield on Monday night. The Premier League side progressed thanks to a 70th-minute own goal, ending the remarkable fairy tale journey of the sixth-tier part-timers. Macclesfield had stunned the football world by eliminating cup holders Crystal Palace in the previous round, but they could not replicate that magic against Brentford.

What Led to Brentford’s Narrow Victory?

The match at Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium showcased the gulf in resources between a Premier League outfit and a non-league side, yet Macclesfield competed valiantly. As per the original match report, the game remained goalless at half-time after an evenly contested first period where the underdogs frustrated their hosts. Brentford dominated possession but struggled to break down a resolute Macclesfield defence that trained only twice a week.

The decisive moment arrived in the 70th minute when Brentford right-back Aaron Hickey delivered a dangerous cross into the penalty area. Macclesfield’s big defender Sam Heathcote, attempting to clear the danger, dived in but unfortunately diverted the ball past his own goalkeeper, sealing the contest. This cruel denouement, as described in the initial coverage, left Macclesfield’s players and supporters devastated after their heroic efforts.

How Did Macclesfield’s Fairy Tale Unfold?

Macclesfield entered the fourth round riding high on one of the most celebrated upsets in FA Cup history. The sixth-tier club, composed largely of part-time players, defeated Crystal Palace – the reigning cup holders – in a shock result that captured national attention. This victory propelled them into the spotlight as giant-killers, with pundits and fans alike hailing it as a throwback to the competition’s storied tradition of magical moments for lower-league teams.

Their run, however, met its end against Brentford. Despite holding firm initially, the physical demands of facing full-time professionals took their toll in the second half. Macclesfield tired visibly, allowing Brentford to ramp up the pressure that culminated in the own goal. The part-timers’ spirited display nonetheless earned widespread admiration for embodying the FA Cup’s ethos of unpredictability and romance.

What Did Macclesfield Coach John Rooney Say?

Post-match reactions highlighted the pride surrounding Macclesfield’s campaign. As reported directly from the scene, Macclesfield coach John Rooney spoke to TNT Sports immediately after the final whistle. “I couldn’t be any prouder,” Rooney told TNT Sports, encapsulating the sentiment of a team that had exceeded all expectations.

Rooney elaborated on his squad’s achievements, noting:

“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.”

His comments underscored the extraordinary effort required from players balancing football with everyday jobs, a narrative that resonated deeply in the football community. Rooney’s words served as a fitting tribute to a group that had taken their club to heights rarely seen at their level.

Who Is Sam Heathcote and What Happened with the Own Goal?

Central to the drama was Sam Heathcote, Macclesfield’s towering defender whose intervention proved costly. In the 70th minute, as Brentford pushed for a breakthrough, Aaron Hickey whipped in a precise cross from the right flank. Heathcote, committed to blocking the danger, launched himself into a dive but misjudged the flight of the ball.

Instead of clearing it, Heathcote’s touch redirected it agonisingly into his own net, past a helpless goalkeeper. This moment, captured in match footage and described across reports, epitomised the fine margins in cup football. Heathcote’s error, while heartbreaking, came after 70 minutes of heroic defending that had kept Brentford at bay.

Why Is the West Ham Draw Significant for Brentford?

Brentford’s reward for their progression is a fifth-round clash against local rivals West Ham United, setting up an enticing all-London derby. This draw pits two Premier League sides against each other, contrasting sharply with Macclesfield’s non-league adventure. For Brentford, managed by Thomas Frank, it represents an opportunity to advance deeper into a competition they have cherished in recent seasons.

The fixture adds intrigue given the proximity of the clubs and their shared history in West London derbies. Brentford supporters will view it as a winnable tie, especially after navigating past Macclesfield, while West Ham’s pedigree in cup competitions makes it far from straightforward. This matchup promises high stakes and intense rivalry in the race towards Wembley.

How Does This Fit into FA Cup History?

The FA Cup has long been defined by tales like Macclesfield’s, where minnows challenge the giants. Their elimination of Crystal Palace echoed iconic shocks such as Sutton United’s win over Leeds United in 1975 or Wrexham’s triumph over Arsenal in 1992. Brentford’s victory, though expected, highlighted the competition’s unpredictability right up to the final whistle.

Macclesfield’s run, though curtailed, joins this pantheon as a modern classic. Their part-time status amplified the narrative, reminding audiences why the FA Cup remains the world’s oldest knockout tournament and a beacon for underdog stories. Brentford, now focused on West Ham, carry forward their own ambitions in a competition that has brought them memorable moments in recent years.

What Were the Tactical Battles in the Match?

From kick-off, Brentford sought to impose their superior quality, with Aaron Hickey proving instrumental down the right. Macclesfield, under John Rooney, opted for a compact shape that frustrated the hosts in the opening 45 minutes. The first half was even, with few clear chances as the visitors absorbed pressure and countered sporadically.

Post-interval, Brentford’s fitness edge emerged. Waves of attacks stretched Macclesfield, leading to the fateful cross from Hickey. Rooney’s post-match praise for his team’s shape validated their disciplined approach, even in defeat. Brentford’s persistence, meanwhile, was rewarded, though they required good fortune via the own goal to avoid a potential replay.

Reactions from Brentford Camp?

While Macclesfield’s voices dominated immediate aftermath coverage, Brentford’s progression was met with quiet satisfaction. Manager Thomas Frank, known for his measured responses, would likely emphasise the importance of grinding out results in cup ties. Players like Aaron Hickey, whose cross decided the game, embodied the Bees’ work ethic.

Supporters celebrated the draw against West Ham as a glamorous home tie prospect. This victory maintains Brentford’s reputation as a tough cup outfit, having reached semi-finals in other competitions recently. The focus now shifts to preparations for the Premier League, balanced with cup aspirations.

Broader Implications for Non-League Sides?

Macclesfield’s campaign inspires countless non-league clubs dreaming of FA Cup glory. Their shock over Crystal Palace generated vital revenue and exposure, even in defeat. John Rooney’s pride reflects a broader truth: these runs elevate profiles and foster community spirit.

For Brentford, it underscores the need for respect against lower opposition. The own goal serves as a reminder that complacency lurks in every tie. As the fifth round looms, West Ham await, promising more drama in this cherished competition.