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MACCLESFIELD, England (AP) \u2014 Brentford will face West Ham in the fifth round of the FA Cup after dispatching Macclesfield 1-0 on Monday, an own goal ending the fairy tale run of the sixth-tier giantkiller.<\/p>\n
The Macclesfield part-timers knocked out cup holder Crystal Palace in the last round and were hailed for pulling off one of the greatest shocks in the competition\u2019s long history.<\/p>\n
But they could not match Brentford, which progressed thanks to a 70th minute own goal from Sam Heathcote.<\/p>\n
The big defender dived to cut out a cross from Aaron Hickey but instead diverted the ball past his own keeper.<\/p>\n
It was a cruel denouement for Macclesfield, which held the Premier League club throughout an even first half before tiring in the second 45 minutes.<\/p>\n
\u201cI couldn\u2019t be any prouder,” Macclesfield coach John Rooney told TNT Sports. \u201cThe lads were outstanding and the shape was really good. We train two times a week and we\u2019ve put that performance on against a Premier League side.”<\/p>\n
The fifth-round tie will take place at West Ham\u2019s Olympic Stadium on the weekend of March 7-8.<\/p>\n
Brentford has never passed the quarterfinals of the competition.<\/p>\n
\u201cCredit to Macclesfield,” Brentford captain Nathan Collins said. \u201cThey made it extremely hard for us. They put up a great fight.\u201d<\/p>\n
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AP soccer: https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/soccer<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n