An own goal from Sam Heathcote was enough to send Brentford into the Emirates FA Cup fifth round and end Macclesfield's memorable run.
The Silkmen made a very confident start to the match, getting players forward into the final third and winning a succession of early set-pieces. When Brentford did have the ball, the Macclesfield players were quick to press to try to win it back from their Premier League opponents.
Paul Dawson, who scored Macclesfield’s opener in the third round against Crystal Palace, went within inches of firing the Silkmen ahead after 17 minutes. The 27-year-old rifled a low effort looking for the bottom corner but watched it drag narrowly wide of the post.
It took 36 minutes for the Premier League side to register their first shot on target and it was a chance they really should have converted. Aaron Hickey did well down the left-hand side before sending a cross into Reiss Nelson inside the penalty area. He killed the ball with a superb first touch before firing an effort on goal which Max Dearnley was equal to, diving across to his right-hand side to make the save.
Brentford really started to impose themselves on the tie at the beginning of the second half, moving the ball well in the final third and putting in a succession of crosses into the penalty area, all without creating too much in the way of a clear-cut opportunity.
Keith Andrews’ side finally made the breakthrough after 70 minutes thanks to an unfortunate own goal from Macclesfield defender Heathcote. Hickey did well to clip in a cross from the left-hand side and it was Heathcote who got to it first, diverting his header past Dearnley and into the back of his own net.
'It is so unfortunate' - Heartbreak for Macclesfield as Heathcote own goal gives Brentford the lead
Video credit: TNT Sports
Macclesfield responded well to going behind, committing more players forward and getting the ball into the final third but without really testing Brentford goalkeeper Hakon Valdimarsson.
Macclesfield have done themselves and the community really proud. The manager and the players can all hold their heads up high. It was a hell of a performance against Brentford. We know what Brentford are as a team, and it was cruel in the end with it being an own goal. It's why we celebrated moments like we saw against Crystal Palace, because usually the better team wins. These boys will never forget this cup run. It's coming to an end, but it comes to an end as heroes. Now, this club needs to get itself back into League football in the next few years.
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ALL THE BIG STORIES AHEAD OF THE FA CUP FIFTH ROUND
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THey've done themselves proud. It was a terrific performance. There wasn't a lot between the two sides. I thought Borthwick-Jackson was different class, and was well deserving of his man of the match award. It's just a shame the way the game ended. I thought Brentford were the better team in the second half and deserved to win the tie, but you don't want to see it end like that. It's a poor goal to decide the game."
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FULL TIME
Macclesfield 0-1 Brentford
Macclesfield's fairytale FA Cup journey comes to an end, with an unfortunate own goal the difference between the Premier League and National League North sides.
Image credit: Getty Images
90'
90'
SUBSTITUTION - BRENTFORD
Luka Bentt is on for Romelle Donovan.
90'
90'
FIVE ADDITIONAL MINUTES
There will be a minimum of five minutes added on at the end of this one.
89'
89'
WATCH: HEARTBREAK FOR HEATHCOTE
'It is so unfortunate' - Heartbreak for Macclesfield as Heathcote own goal gives Brentford the lead
Video credit: TNT Sports
88'
88'
BORTHWICK-JACKSON WITH THE BLOCK
Borthwick-Jackson does well to block a Dango Ouattara cross and it's behind for a corner.
85'
85'
SUBSTITUTION - MACCLESFIELD
Justin Johnson is on for Elliot Osborne.
84'
84'
YELLOW CARD - MACCLESFIELD
Paul Dawson is booked.
82'
82'
MELLOR WITH THE CHANCE
Mellor gets up to power a header on target but it's a simple save for Valdimarsson.
81'
81'
ALMOST FOR MACCLESFIELD!
This is much better from the hosts who have responded well to going behind! There are appeals for a penalty after the ball seemed to have struck a Brentford hand in the penalty area.
79'
79'
A COMPLETE WASTE
Osborne with a poor free kick which sails high over the crossbar.
78'
78'
YELLOW CARD - BRENTFORD
Yehor Yarmoliuk is booked.
78'
78'
DAWSON WINS THE FREE KICK
Yehor Yarmoliuk brings down Duffy and Macclesfield have a free kick.
75'
75'
YELLOW CARD - MACCLESFIELD
Edmondson dives in the penalty area and is booked for simulation.
73'
73'
ALLY MCCOIST ON THE GOAL
It's a brilliant run from Hickey and a lovely pass from Lewis-Potter. Duffy just switches off. You've got to match the run. It's a ball into the front-post area, and it's a disaster for Sam Heathcote.
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'It is so unfortunate' - Heartbreak for Macclesfield as Heathcote own goal gives Brentford the lead
Video credit: TNT Sports