Andrews' 'unbelievable touch' praised by Macclesfield manager

Keith Andrews' Macclesfield counterpart John Rooney has praised the Brentford boss' "unbelievable touch" of visiting the non-league side's dressing room after knocking them out of the FA Cup.

The sixth-tier side claimed a historic victory over Premier League Crystal Palace on their dream cup run, but the Bees brought it to an end with a 1-0 victory at Moss Rose on Monday, courtesy of an agonising second-half own goal.

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Rooney, the younger brother of former England captain Wayne, was delighted with the efforts of his team. "I couldn't be any prouder. Days like this are why you are involved," he said.

"It's an unbelievable touch by their manager to come into our dressing room after full-time.

"He spoke highly of us - of myself and the players - and the thing he saw was a real togetherness we had about us."

Andrews, whose side will face West Ham away in the next round, said that coming face to face with National League North side Macclesfield had been emotional.

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"I've a lot of respect for the way they play and the spirit they have - it was very impressive," he said.

"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!"

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