There will be no FA Cup run for Chris Richards and reigning holders Crystal Palace this year.
Richards made his return to action on Saturday but was unable to help Oliver Glasner’s men avoid a 2-1 FA Cup third round loss to non-league side Macclesfield. The two clubs are separated by 116 places in the English Football pyramid, making it one of the major upsets of recent time in the historic competition.
John Rooney’s side grabbed a first-half lead before halftime as Paul Dawson headed home Luke Duffy’s cross for a 1-0 opener.
Things got worse for the Eagles after the hour mark as Isaac Buckley-Ricketts doubled Macclesfield’s lead, giving the hosts needed breathing room. Crystal Palace failed to clear its 18-yard box allowing Buckley-Ricketts to sneak a shot past Walter Benitez.
Despite the second-half introductions of new signing Brennan Johnson and veterans Tyrick Mitchell and Will Hughes, the Eagles couldn’t muster up a full comeback, suffering an early exit from the tournament.
Yeremy Pino pulled a late consolation goal back for the Eagles, but it wouldn’t lead to an equalizer in stoppage time.
Richards, who had been out of action since suffering a foot injury on December 23, logged 90 minutes in the Eagles backline.
Pressure continues to grow on Glasner and his men after seeing their winless run extend to nine matches in all competitions.
Up next for Richards and his Palace teammates is a trip to Sunderland on January 17 in Premier League play before they close the month at home against Chelsea on Jan. 25.
With all the CP transfers away from the club the sum of the parts just not going to add up! Unfortunately the club is in a potential spiral.
Chris Richards shares in the blame for the second goal by Macclesfield. Initially, a poor clearance on his part which started the shitshow in their own box.