SOCCER: Brentford edge past Macclesfield 1-0 with own goal in FA Cup

MACCLESFIELD, England – Brentford moved into the fifth round of the FA Cup with a 1-0 away victory over sixth-tier Macclesfield on Monday, thanks to a second-half own goal by Sam Heathcote.

Macclesfield, who had previously knocked out defending champions Crystal Palace, held their Premier League opponents at bay in the first half. Goalkeeper Max Dearnley made several key saves, including a close-range stop against Brentford’s Reiss Nelson. James Dawson came closest to giving the hosts the lead with a long-range effort that just missed the target.

Brentford grew more assertive after halftime, with Dearnley keeping out Kaye Furo’s close-range header. The deadlock was finally broken in the 70th minute when Heathcote accidentally headed Aaron Hickey’s cross into his own net while trying to clear.

The win sets up a fifth-round clash between Brentford and West Ham United. Macclesfield exited the tournament after an impressive run, earning praise for their performance against top-flight competition.

-Reporting by Angelica Medina in Mexico City; Editing by Toby Davis/Reuters