Key Takeaways:
- Brentford secured a 1-0 away win against Macclesfield on Monday to advance to the FA Cup fifth round
- The definitive moment came when Sam Heathcote scored an own goal in the 70th minute
- Brentford will face West Ham United next in the competition
Brentford Overcome Resolute Macclesfield to Progress
Brentford booked their place in the fifth round of the FA Cup following a narrow 1-0 victory over sixth-tier Macclesfield away from home on Monday evening. Their only goal came midway through the second half when Macclesfield’s Sam Heathcote inadvertently headed Aaron Hickey’s cross into his own net, breaking the deadlock in the 70th minute.
Onto the fifth round
🔵 0-1 🐝#MACBRE | #BrentfordFC pic.twitter.com/lFzqWGLLhC
— Brentford FC (@BrentfordFC) February 16, 2026
Macclesfield Test Premier League Opposition
The hosts, fresh from eliminating current holders Crystal Palace in the previous round, proved a stubborn challenge for their Premier League visitors throughout the opening 45 minutes. Macclesfield goalkeeper Max Dearnley was called upon several times, producing impressive saves to deny Reiss Nelson from close range and repel further attempts from Brentford.
In one of Macclesfield’s brightest moments, James Dawson fired from distance, his effort narrowly missing the target and providing a moment of concern for Brentford.
Decisive Moment
After the interval, Brentford ramped up their attacking efforts, with Kaye Furo seeing a powerful header thwarted by Dearnley at close quarters. Eventually, Brentford’s pressure yielded the game’s only goal: Aaron Hickey delivered a cross which Heathcote, in trying to clear, unfortunately diverted beyond his own goalkeeper. This solitary goal decided the contest, despite Macclesfield maintaining their competitive performance until the final whistle.
Brentford Set for Fifth-Round Clash
This result means Brentford will meet West Ham United in the fifth round of the FA Cup. Meanwhile, Macclesfield exit the competition, but not before demonstrating their quality and resilience with another strong display against a top-flight side.
