Brentford narrowly defeat sixth-tier Macclesfield in FA Cup

Brentford sidestepped a potential major upset in the FA Cup by clinching a 1-0 victory against sixth-tier Macclesfield on Monday, although it required an own goal late on to overcome a team sitting 116 spots lower in the English football hierarchy.

Having ousted the defending champions Crystal Palace in the previous round, Macclesfield more than matched their opponents for significant periods at Moss Rose.

Brentford, occupying seventh position in the Premier League, introduced seven alterations to their lineup but were still forecasted to progress smoothly to the fifth round.

Nevertheless, the Bees finally pierced the deadlock with 20 minutes left on the clock, thanks to Sam Heathcote, a physical education instructor, inadvertently heading the ball into his own goal from Aaron Hickeys delivery.

Macclesfield, led by John Rooney, sibling of former England leader Wayne Rooney, mounted pressure in search of a leveller during the final moments yet could not extend the contest into extra time.

Brentfords prize for this triumph is a showdown with West Ham in the fifth round.