Key Points
- Brentford secured a 1-0 victory over National League North side Macclesfield in the FA Cup fourth round, thanks to Sam Heathcote’s 70th-minute own goal, ending Macclesfield’s giant-killing run that included a third-round upset over holders Crystal Palace.
- The FA Cup fifth-round draw pits Brentford against London rivals West Ham United away at the London Stadium on the weekend of 7 March 2026.
- West Ham progressed by defeating Championship side QPR in the third round and League One Burton Albion 1-0 after extra time in the fourth round.
- Arsenal will travel to League One Mansfield Town, who reached the fifth round for the first time since 1975 after a 2-1 comeback win at Premier League Burnley, with goals from Rhys Oates and captain Louis Reed’s 80th-minute free-kick.
- Manchester City, beaten finalists in the last two FA Cup seasons and aiming for a fourth successive final, will face Newcastle United at St James’ Park in an all-Premier League clash, a repeat of this season’s League Cup semi-final.
- Other notable fifth-round ties include Wrexham hosting Chelsea, Wolverhampton Wanderers hosting Liverpool, Fulham vs Southampton, Leeds United vs Norwich City, Port Vale or Bristol City vs Sunderland.
- Macclesfield dominated parts of their match against Brentford, with chances from Luke Duffy, captain Paul Dawson, and late efforts by D’Mani Mellor, but Brentford’s goalkeeper Hákon Valdimarsson made key saves.
- Mansfield stunned Burnley with a second-half comeback after Josh Laurent’s first-half goal for the hosts; Nigel Clough’s side beat Sheffield United in the third round.
- Arsenal, top of the Premier League by four points over Manchester City and through to Champions League knockouts with eight league-phase wins, thrashed Wigan 4-0 in the fourth round while chasing a quadruple including the Carabao Cup final against City.
- Brentford manager Thomas Frank (noted in reports as Andrews in some contexts, but primarily Frank) faced a narrow escape, adapting after a challenging start.
London (East London Times) February 18, 2026 – Brentford will confront London rivals West Ham in the FA Cup fifth round after a dramatic 1-0 win over non-league Macclesfield, courtesy of Sam Heathcote’s 70th-minute own goal, while Manchester City drew Newcastle and Arsenal face Mansfield in intriguing ties.
What Ended Macclesfield’s FA Cup Dream?
Macclesfield, the National League North side, halted Crystal Palace’s title defence in one of the competition’s biggest third-round upsets but could not replicate the feat against Brentford. As reported by the Guardian’s match correspondent, Macclesfield created more threats in the first half through Luke Duffy and captain Paul Dawson, capitalising on Brentford errors, while their goalkeeper Max Dearnley denied Reiss Nelson from close range. Reuters journalist noted that James Dawson’s long-range effort nearly scored for the hosts, and in the second half, Dearnley saved Kaye Furo’s header before Heathcote unluckily deflected Aaron Hickey’s cross into his own net.
Sky Sports reporter Callum Bishop detailed how John Rooney’s part-timers dominated early, sitting 116 places below Brentford in the league pyramid, yet late pushes with D’Mani Mellor denied thrice by Hákon Valdimarsson sealed a narrow Bees advance. ABC News correspondent highlighted the sixth-tier side’s frustration of higher opposition in the opening half, ending their fairytale prematurely. Brentford’s official site confirmed the hard-fought progression, crediting the decisive own goal.
How Did Brentford Secure Their Progression?
Brentford struggled initially but adapted, as per Guardian analysis, learning from Crystal Palace’s mistakes against Macclesfield. Their first chance came from Reiss Nelson’s 13th-minute free-kick scramble, building pressure post-interval. The 70th-minute moment arrived when Heathcote cleared Hickey’s cross disastrously, as Reuters detailed.
Sky Sports emphasised Brentford’s narrow escape, with Rooney proud of Macclesfield’s finish despite defeat. Brentford FC’s announcement focused on the 1-0 result paving way for West Ham, underscoring the tie’s London derby allure .
What Awaits Brentford at West Ham?
West Ham United v Brentford headlines as an all-Premier League fifth-round clash at London Stadium. Brentford’s official report noted West Ham’s path: home win over QPR then 1-0 extra-time victory versus Burton Albion. The fixture, set for 7 March weekend, promises intensity between capital foes .
Why Is Arsenal’s Mansfield Trip a Highlight?
League One Mansfield host Arsenal after their historic Burnley upset, first fifth-round appearance since 1975. BBC Sport reported the Stags’ 2-1 win, comeback via Rhys Oates’ header levelling Josh Laurent’s tidy opener, then Louis Reed’s stunning 80th-minute free-kick. Sky Sports’ Callum Bishop called it a shock under Nigel Clough, following Sheffield United’s third-round scalp; Burnley, post-Palace win, made nine changes under Scott Parker, wasting early chances like Ashley Barnes’ miss.
Arsenal, Mikel Arteta’s quadruple chasers—top of Premier League by four points over City, Carabao Cup finalists, perfect Champions League league phase—smashed Wigan 4-0 with four first-half goals, eyeing first major trophy since 2020 FA Cup. NDTV Sports noted their third-tier test mirroring Mansfield’s giant-killing. USA Today highlighted the home draw for Nigel Clough’s men at Field Mill.
What Does Man City vs Newcastle Promise?
Manchester City travel to Newcastle at St James’ Park, all-Premier League repeat of League Cup semis. Independent’s coverage confirmed Guardiola’s beaten finalists (last two seasons) targeting fourth straight final. BBC termed it tough for City amid quadruple bid.
The Mag detailed Newcastle’s path, beating Aston Villa 3-1. USA Today eyes the blockbuster alongside Wrexham-Chelsea.
What Makes This Draw Historic?
Macclesfield’s Palace shock—one of biggest upsets—set stage, but Heathcote’s error ended it, as Guardian’s Rooney insisted grounding post-upset. Mansfield’s Burnley feat, first deep run in 51 years, mirrors. Arsenal’s ambitions amplify stakes; Arteta bids for unprecedented quadruple. Ties like Wrexham-Chelsea add glamour, per USA Today.
Brentford-West Ham revives rivalries, City-Newcastle tests form. As FA Cup tradition dictates, magic persists into last 16.
