Well done to Macclesfield - They fully deserved the win and their glorious day.
Their supporters were an absolute credit to the club and their players performed magnificently to win every duel and show our pathetic players the meaning of passion, pride, effort and determination.
It’s still too raw to talk about the specifics of the game but a few takeaways for me.
1) VAR - I absolutely loved not having VAR this weekend. I watched the Wrexham v Forest game on Friday night, was at Macc on Saturday and watched more televised games yesterday. Each and every one was a breath of fresh air without the involvement of VAR. I can imagine there would have been huge forensic analysis of their first goal and the contact on Canvot from Dawson. That would’ve taken minutes to scrutinise and would have completely ruined the moment and euphoria for them. It could’ve gone either way but I am pleased there was no VAR to ruin the game and deny Macc their deserved lead.
Of all the weekend FA Cup games I’ve not heard one complaint from any manager or player of a decision given or not given. The games flowed and it was superb to see.
2) I’m not sure of the safety certificate numbers for the away end at Moss Rose (Silkmen Terrace North) but it could easily have accommodated an extra 150 - 200 on the terracing without issue. There was plenty of room towards the East end of the terracing.
3) Attitude of the players - My son & I arrived early enough to see our team coach arrive and were stood right by it as the players disembarked. A few Palace fans were there to welcome the team but apart from Canvot, Mitchell, Glasner and one other, who stopped to sign a young lads shirt, the rest of them ignored everybody, even those without headphones on. Shouts of encouragement and welcome and good wishes were blatantly ignored and there was ZERO acknowledgement of the supporters from the team. It wasn’t a look of focus, they just looked utterly pissed off, disinterested and dismissive.
3) Captaincy / Leadership - During what was a dire performance I didn’t witness one single occasion when our Captain tried to rally the team or motivate or bollock the players. Not only Guehi as Captain but we had ZERO leaders out there or players trying to galvanise, motivate or encourage. Where are the Delaney’s, the Scott Dans, Tomkins, Joel Ward’s, Jedinak’s & McArthur’s?!?
Good Luck to Macclesfield in tonight’s fourth round draw and also for the rest of the Season.
England
