Premier League side Brentford needed a late own goal to edge past sixth-tier Macclesfield 1-0 and avoid a monumental FA Cup upset.

PREMIER League Brentford narrowly avoided a seismic FA Cup shock with a 1-0 victory at sixth-tier Macclesfield. The Bees required a late own goal to overcome a side 116 places below them in the English football pyramid.

Macclesfield had already eliminated holders Crystal Palace in the previous round. They more than held their own for long periods at Moss Rose.

Brentford, sitting seventh in the top flight, made seven changes but were still expected to cruise into the fifth round. They struggled to break down a resilient non-league defence for much of the match.

The deadlock was finally broken 20 minutes from time. A cross from Aaron Hickey was headed into his own net by Macclesfield defender and part-time PE teacher Sam Heathcote.

Macclesfield, managed by John Rooney, pushed for a dramatic equaliser in the closing stages. They could not force the tie to extra time, ending their memorable cup run.

Brentford’s reward for the hard-fought victory is a trip to fellow Premier League side West Ham United in the last 16.

 The Sun Malaysia