Macclesfield FC's remarkable FA Cup journey came to an end on Monday with a home defeat to Brentford, but the tiny club's legacy in the competition remains intact. The National League North side had captured the imagination of football fans with their giant-killing run, making their eventual exit feel less like a disappointment and more like the natural conclusion to an extraordinary story.

While a second FA Cup shock against Brentford always seemed unrealistic given the gulf in class between the sides, Macclesfield's performance throughout the tournament has already secured their place in the competition's storied history. The club, which has faced significant financial difficulties in recent years, showed that even the smallest teams can dream big in England's oldest cup competition. Their journey provided a reminder of the magic that makes the FA Cup special.

Though Monday's result ended their cup run, Macclesfield FC can hold their heads high. The team's achievement in reaching this stage against all odds has already written their names into FA Cup folklore. For a club that has battled adversity both on and off the pitch, this cup run represents something far more valuable than just another match result.