Luke Matheson, forever remembered as the 16-year-old who scored for Rochdale at Old Trafford in 2019, now aims for more FA Cup magic with Macclesfield. The 23-year-old full-back prepares to face Premier League Brentford, seeking to recapture the surreal joy of his teenage heroics while carrying the legacy of a fallen teammate.

Matheson's path took a sharp turn after that famous goal, joining Wolves in a £1m deal. He admits the move to their under-23s felt like a step backwards, a feeling compounded by a torrid three-and-a-half years riddled with severe injuries, including a hamstring tear that threatened his career. He never made a senior appearance for Wolves before his release.

His journey intertwined deeply with forward Ethan McLeod, first in Wolves' rehab and later at Macclesfield. McLeod's death in a car crash last December left the squad shattered. Matheson credits their shared struggle with injuries for a profound bond, calling McLeod's smile a savior during dark days. Their sole start together, days before the tragedy, was a cherished achieved goal.

Now injury-free and playing regularly, Matheson finds purpose in honoring McLeod. The FA Cup run, sparked by a shock win over Crystal Palace, offers a stage for his unique story. Driving past fans in half-and-half scarves, he feels a family-like duty to deliver more joy to Macclesfield, moments made bittersweet by the friend they lost.