Brentford boss Keith Andrews visits Macclesfield dressing room after FA Cup win

Brentford boss Keith Andrews visited the Macclesfield dressing room to pay tribute to the part-timers after avoiding a giant-killing at Moss Rose by the narrowest of margins.

The National League North side stunned holders Crystal Palace 2-1 just over a month ago – by most estimates the biggest upset in the competition’s long and storied history – and gave themselves every chance of landing another massive top-flight scalp in the fourth round.

They were comfortably the better side in a first half that was characterised by their endeavour and tenacity, making a mockery of the 116 league positions that separate the two teams.

Brentford finally warmed up in the second period but still needed a major slice of good fortune to seal a fifth-round clash with West Ham, Sam Heathcote heading into his own net in the 70th minute while Lewis Fensome’s injury left them a man down.

Andrews made a beeline for the home dressing room at the end of the 1-0 victory and was clapped out after celebrating Macclesfield’s efforts.

“I’ve a lot of respect for the way they play and the spirit they have, it was very impressive,” he said.

“(I told them) what respect I have for what they’ve achieved, the journey they’ve been on. I love the English football pyramid, I’ve played in a lot of it and I’ve coached in a lot of it. I love what it stands for.

“This club is on a really good journey and I love stories like that. It fills my heart. They were immense and they gave us a proper cup tie that most people would have enjoyed… but I can’t say I did!”

Andrews admitted it had been a challenge to pivot swiftly from his side’s previous assignment, against Premier League leaders Arsenal.

“Arsenal to Macclesfield… it’s a big shift, for sure,” he said.

“There’s