Macclesfield's Sam Heathcote is consoled by fans after his own goal settled the FA Cup fourth round tie against Brentford
The tifo stretched across the Star Lane end by Macclesfield's fans moments before the start of the FA Cup tie with Brentford was emblazoned with the message: "Against All Odds".
It was also displayed in the players' tunnel at Moss Rose as John Rooney's side walked out to attempt a repeat of the historic third-round win against Premier League opposition that left holders Crystal Palace embarrassed and beaten.
And for 70 minutes on a freezing Cheshire night, Macclesfield suggested lightning could strike twice as they once again stood toe-to-toe with top-flight opposition, refusing to give an inch.
It was only then, as tired legs started to betray the National League North side and the gap of 116 places on the game's pyramid finally started to show, that one cruel moment took the dream away.
