Macclesfield 0-1 Brentford Player Ratings: Sam Heathcote's Own Goal Helps Bees Win Nervy FA Cup Contest

Brentford overcame Macclesfield Town with a narrow 1-0 win in a competitive FA Cup tie at the Moss Rose Ground. The Premier League side controlled much of the possession but struggled to break down a disciplined and well-organised home team. Check out Macclesfield vs Brentford player ratings from the game.

Brentford enjoyed long spells in attack, creating several chances, winning multiple corners, and applying constant pressure. However, they lacked precision in the final third and were unable to score from open play.

The decisive moment came in the 70th minute when Macclesfield defender Sam Heathcote accidentally turned the ball into his own net. It proved to be the only goal of the match and a cruel outcome for the home side, who had defended strongly until that point.

Macclesfield Town produced a brave performance, remaining compact at the back and threatening on the counter-attack on a few occasions. Despite their efforts, they were unable to find an equaliser.

The match was a typical FA Cup contest, decided by a single moment of misfortune rather than a clear display of attacking quality, with Brentford advancing to the next round.

Key Takeaways

1. Brentford dominated possession but struggled to break down a disciplined Macclesfield Town defence at the Moss Rose Ground.
2. Sam Heathcote scored an unfortunate own goal in the 70th minute, which proved to be the match-winner.
3. Macclesfield pushed for a late equaliser, but Brentford held on to secure a 1–0 victory and progress in the FA Cup.

Brentford Player Ratings vs Macclesfield

Check out Brentford player ratings from the FA Cup game:

Goalkeeper

Hákon Valdimarsson - 6.5: He had a relatively quiet evening between the sticks. Made the one save required of him with confidence. We noticed his distribution was a bit hit-and-miss, with a 71% pass accuracy. He commanded his area well enough on the few occasions he was called upon. It was a comfortable outing for the keeper overall.

Defenders

Aaron Hickey - 7.5: A very strong performance from the fullback. He was solid defensively, winning all three of his tackles. What stood out to us was his contribution going forward. He created three chances and delivered some dangerous crosses. A tireless display up and down the left flank.

Ethan Pinnock - 7.5: An absolute rock at the heart of the defence. He was aerially dominant, winning three of four duels in the air. Made a crucial seven clearances to snuff out danger. From our perspective, his calmness on the ball was vital in building from the back. A very composed and authoritative performance from the centre-back.

Nathan Collins - 7.5: The captain led by example with a commanding display. He was strong in the challenge and won the majority of his aerial battles. He also posed a threat in the opposition box, though he should have done better with a headed chance. A true captain's performance, ensuring his side kept a clean sheet.

Michael Kayode - 7.0: A solid and energetic performance on the right. He supported the attack well, making overlapping runs and attempting several dribbles. Defensively, he was sound, making a few important recoveries. He did have one error that led to a shot which was a slight blemish. Overall a positive display from the defender.

Midfielders

Mathias Jensen - 8.0: The best player in a Brentford shirt, for our money. He was the creative engine in midfield, constantly probing the Macclesfield defence. He created three chances and his set-piece delivery was a menace all night. What stood out was his vision and range of passing. He dictated the tempo of the game from start to finish.

Vitaly Janelt - 7.5: A real workhorse in the middle of the park. He was tenacious and disruptive, winning all his tackles. His energy was infectious as he covered every blade of grass. Picked up a deserved yellow card for a cynical foul, showing his willingness to do the dirty work. An essential part of the team's defensive solidity.

Yegor Yarmolyuk - 6.0: A mixed bag from the midfielder. He was busy and got on the ball a lot, but his final product was lacking. We noticed he lost possession 16 times and was booked for a clumsy challenge. He missed a big chance that could have made the night easier. A frustrating performance, full of effort but little quality.

Reiss Nelson - 6.0: A quiet game for Nelson, who struggled to make a real impact. He had one shot on target but was otherwise marshalled well by the opposition defence. He was neat in possession but played it too safe at times. It wasn't a surprise to see him substituted just after the hour mark.

Romelle Donovan - 5.5: From our perspective, this was a difficult watch. He showed flashes of skill with his dribbling but was incredibly wasteful. He lost possession a staggering 22 times which killed many attacks. His decision-making in the final third was poor. He needs to add substance to his style to be effective.

Forwards

Kaye Furo - 6.5: He put in a real shift up front, battling hard against the physical defenders. He won a good number of aerial duels, providing a focal point for the attack. Had one good header saved by the keeper. While his effort was commendable, he didn't offer a consistent goal threat. A thankless task for him tonight.

Substitutes

Keane Lewis-Potter - 6.0: Came on and added some fresh legs and directness. Didn't have a decisive impact on the game.

Dango Ouattara - 6.0: Looked lively after his introduction. Had one shot blocked and tried to take on his man.

Luka Bentt - N/A: A late substitution to see out the game. Not enough time to make an impact.

Manager

K. Andrews - 6.5: His team got the job done, which is all that matters in the cup. They dominated the game but lacked a cutting edge. His substitutions were logical. He will be pleased with the win and the clean sheet, but will know the performance could have been better. A professional, if unspectacular, result.

Macclesfield Player Ratings vs Brentford

Let's take a look at Macclesfield Player Ratings from the game:

Goalkeeper

Max Dearnley - 6.0: Couldn't do anything about the own goal. He only had one official save to make, which he did well. From our perspective, his distribution was very poor, completing only 20% of his passes. It put his team under unnecessary pressure. A mixed night for the keeper.

Defenders

Lewis Fensome - 6.5: Was having a really solid game before his injury. He made seven clearances and won most of his duels. It was a shame to see him forced off. He played his part in a stoic defensive effort. A reliable display until his unfortunate departure.

Sam Heathcote - 5.0: The most unfortunate player on the pitch. He was defending reasonably well, making six clearances. But the own goal is the defining moment of his game and the match. It's a cruel twist of fate that costs his team a potential replay. A heartbreaking evening for the defender.

Luis Lacey - 8.0: An absolutely colossal performance. What stood out to us was his incredible duel success, winning 15 of his 20 battles. He made five tackles, eight clearances, and was a one-man wall at times. Despite being on the losing side, he was the best player on the pitch. A truly magnificent defensive display.

Cameron Borthwick-Jackson - 7.5: He was a hero at the back for Macclesfield. Made an astonishing 12 clearances, throwing his body on the line. He blocked four shots, showing immense bravery and commitment. A huge performance that deserved a better result. He was a key reason Brentford struggled to score.

Midfielders

Paul Dawson - 6.0: The captain led with passion and fight. He battled hard in midfield, winning seven duels. However, his passing was erratic, leading to a loss of possession 16 times. He also picked up a yellow card for his troubles. A performance full of heart but lacking in composure.

Isaac Buckley-Ricketts - 5.5: He really struggled to get into the game. He only had 12 touches before being substituted due to injury. He was largely anonymous and couldn't provide an outlet for his team. A forgettable outing for the midfielder. We hope the injury is not too serious.

Luke Duffy - 6.5: Looked like Macclesfield's most likely source of something special. He was not afraid to have a shot, even if they were off target. He worked hard defensively, recovering the ball six times. He showed good energy and intent throughout. A lively performance without the end product.

Elliot Osborne - 6.0: A neat and tidy performance without setting the world alight. He kept the ball moving but didn't take many risks. Worked hard for the team before being substituted late on. A steady, if unremarkable, contribution to the team's effort.

James Edmondson - 6.0: He ran his socks off for the cause. Put in a real shift, making three tackles. However, he was often wasteful in possession and got booked for simulation. A display characterized more by effort than quality. He never stopped working for his team.

Forwards

D'Mani Mellor - 6.5: It was a thankless task for him up front alone. He battled gamely against two top-class centre-backs. He managed to get a few shots away, one of which was on target. He worked hard to hold the ball up and bring others into play. He can be proud of his effort.

Substitutes

James Gale - 6.0: Replaced the injured Buckley-Ricketts but failed to make an impression.

Luke Matheson - 6.0: Came on and slotted into the defence seamlessly. Looked solid.

Justin Johnson - N/A: Introduced late in the game with little time to influence proceedings.

Manager

J. Rooney - 7.0: He should be incredibly proud of his team. He set them up perfectly to frustrate a Premier League side. They were disciplined, organised, and full of fight. He was desperately unlucky to lose to an own goal. His tactics were spot on for the occasion.

Man of the Match

Sportsdunia's player of the match was Luis Lacey.

Worst Performer

Sam Heathcote scored an own goal for the hosts.