New Years Progress Report

It’s been a season of highs and lows for the Silkmen so far. Here’s a look back at each game.

August



Nuneaton (H) 0-1

After an impressive pre-season, which saw Macclesfield score as impressive 11 goals, the boys in blue served up a thoroughly deflating performance; 90 minutes of chasing shadows, mistimed interceptions and gutless tackles – unable to carve out any clear cut chances. Nuneaton’s Louis Moult scored the only goal after 23 minutes.

Lincoln (A) 0-1

A similar performance was served up against Simmo’s Lincoln at Sincil Bank. However, a moderately improved display delivered more attempts at goal but couldn’t prevent a defeat by the same score line – debutant Danny Rose netting.



Luton (A) 1-1

The first 3 points of the season almost arrived from the most unlikely location as even the most optimistic Silkmen supporter would not have seen an away fixture at Luton as a potential 3 points. But, it was so almost the case after Chris Holroyd slotted home just after an hour. The Silkmen were denied victory however as Luke Guttridge poked home in the dying minutes.

FC Halifax Town (H) 2-2

The pick of the games in August as both Macclesfield and Halifax served up a thoroughly entertaining 2-2 draw. The away side raced into a 2-0 after just 20 minutes after a sluggish start by the Silkmen. Manager John Askey was then forced into a change as striker Chris Holroyd pulled his hamstring which saw on loan striker Connor Jennings make an impromptu debut. However, it will be a game to forget for Jennings as he lasted just 5 minutes after seeing straight red for violent conduct, leaving the Silkmen with an uphill battle and one hell of an important half time team talk on Askey’s shoulders. Fortunately the boys in blue did rally and fought back to earn a share of the points thanks to goals from Scott Boden and Jack Mackreth.

Gateshead (A) 2-2

A repeat of the previous game’s result but in different circumstances as it was the Silkmen’s turn to throw away a two goal lead. With Connor Jennings serving his suspension and Chris Holroyd side lined with injury, it was down to Scott Boden to lead the line as a lone striker and he certainly rewarded his manager’s faith. Two first half goals ensured everything was looking rosy, sending Macclesfield on their way to their first three points of the season. Yet two Gateshead goals from corners (an Achilles heel for the Silkmen this season) ensured yet another disappointing solitary point and a long coach ride home back to Cheshire.



Braintree (H) 0-1

The month ended as it began as the Silkmen saw yet another 0-1 home defeat. It was a humbling performance considering previous results would suggest the Silkmen were on the up and about to end their slump.

September



Aldershot (A) 0-1

A speculative long range strike from Aldershot’s Mark Mosley ensured Macclesfield left the Recreation Ground empty handed. The game was short on quality and the Silkmen’s best chance to equalise came in a Peter Winn volley crashing back off the bar. The game took Aldershot up to zero points but ensured Macclesfield’s poor start to the season continued.

Alfreton Town (H) 0-1

Embarrassingly poor defending at a set-piece resulted in Alfreton scoring the only goal in this encounter. As John McGrath calmly rolled a free kick across the Silkmen’s box, poor judgement and positioning allowed Danny Meadows a free shot on goal which he calmly slotted away. Manager John Askey vented his frustration after the game as fans began to ask questions whether he would be up to the task of full time management.

Chester FC (A) 2-1

A huge game amid whispers of a relegation six-pointer, but it was all too similar for the Silkmen. A Danny Whitaker goal late in the second half could not inspire Macclesfield to their first win after Chippendale and Seddon fired home for Chester.

Woking (H) 3-2

Finally! The return of Connor Jennings from suspension had just the effect John Askey for looking for as he repaid his faith with two second half goals to set up a 3-2 victory. Jennings was a handful all over the pitch; constantly hassling defenders, running the channels and not to mention two impressive finishes sparked a flame in the team which would have a monumental effect on the upcoming games. Two late Woking goals couldn’t spoil the party as the Silkmen picked up their first win of the campaign, 10 games into the season.

Barnet (A) 2-1

A second Connor Jenning’s brace ensured the Silkmen back-to-back wins. However, Rhys Taylor was the man in the spotlight after he saved a ninth-minute penalty to ensure an impressive victory as the team began to gel.

Welling (H) 2-1

Askey doubters hang your heads in shame as Connor Jennings continued his run of goal-scoring form to ensure a third win in a row for Macclesfield. Both goals in a 2-1 victory came in the second half, with Holroyd adding the second, but a late Lafayette finish resulted in a nervy end for the home side. However, a much more encouraging end to September than last month as the Silkmen rose to 18th position.

October

Tamworth (A) 0-1

A disappointing start to October was in store however as a solitary Elford-Alliyu goal meant the Silkmen’s winning run came to an end. Macclesfield had their chances, with a Holroyd header and Danny Whitaker effort the most noteworthy, but couldn’t find that elusive equaliser. An encouraging performance away at difficult ground ensured morale remained high.

Hereford (H) 1-0

A tight affair was settled by a single goal from that man again; Connor Jennings. The on-loan striker had gone close numerous times before finally finding the back of the net on the hour mark. A second yellow for Hereford’s Sam Smith ensured there would be no fight back for the away side, making it four wins in five for the Silkmen.

Forest Green (A) 3-2

An extremely difficult place to come resulted in a shared opinion that if a point was offered before kick-off, it would be snatched with both hands. But the Silkmen put in their best performance of the season to send the traveling fans home happy. Ex-Silkmen Matthew Barnes-Homer opened the scoring with Williams and Whitaker firing Macclesfield ahead either side half time. Yan Klukowski equalised from the spot after keeper Rhys Taylor was adjudged to have fouled James Norwood and it looked as if the Silkmen were to be leaving with a very useful point. Yet Danny Andrew found a last burst of energy to find the space for a cross, eagerly met with a powerful header from 18 year old Paul Lewis to score his first for the club.

Southport (H) 2-2

The first televised game of the season for Macclesfield didn’t disappoint. Two goals apiece, end to end action and even a 90th minute penalty for the visiting side for the viewers at home to enjoy the Silkmen had to settle for a point.]

Vauxhall Motors (H) 7-0 FA CUP

There was to be no repeat of the Southport result as Macclesfield came out all guns blazing in their first FA cup game of the season. The fixture had the impression of a good game as Vauxhall Motors went close with a few half chances but as soon Whitaker swept home, the Silkmen were well on their way to their biggest victory in 17 years. Connor Jennings, Scott Boden, Scott Kay and a hat-trick from Danny Rowe completed the rout.

November

Wrexham (H) 3-2

Back to the bread and butter of the league, Wrexham put up a hell of a fight on the visit to the Moss Rose. A Connor Jennings hat-trick, only completed with a last minute header, ensured the away side’s valiant fight back was all in vain as Macclesfield snatched all three points.

Swindon (H) 4-0 FA CUP

Our old friends Swindon, as fate would have it, were our opponents in the cup again – but there was to be no repeat of the hard fought 2-0 away victory of last season. If truth be told, Macclesfield were completely in control and the 4-0 score line, courtesy of Jennings (2) Boden and Winn, reflected that. The Swindon manager was clearly embarrassed by his team’s performance, even going as far to offer the traveling fans their money back!

Kidderminster (H) 1-1

With games coming thick and fast on the run up to Christmas, just three days later high-flying Kidderminster visited the Moss Rose. Callum Gittings put the visitors ahead and as Peter Winn hit the post, it looked like the Silkmen’s run was to come to an end. The Harrier’s also had a goal disallowed on the hour mark for a questionable foul as Macclesfield were left riding their luck. But their hard work paid off as Captain Paul Turnbull snatched an injury time winner after latching onto a Jennings header across goal cross for a share of the points.

Dartford (H) 3-1

Three second half goals in four minutes assured the Silkmen of another 3 points as their impressive run continues. Keeper Rhys Taylor brought down Adam Birchall, gifting Matt Godden to give Dartford the lead from the spot but as the game went on – Macclesfield looked increasingly likely to get back into the game. Yet they had to wait until the second half but as soon as Boden headed home in the 66th minute, Dartford imploded as Jenning’s was able to fire in another two goals in two minutes as the Silkmen rose to 14th and attendances at fortress Moss Rose began to rise too.

Salisbury (A) 2-3

A late goal from Jamie White put Salisbury on their way to take all three points and end Macclesfield’s run of 8 games unbeaten. However, the result will be secondary to the memory of Salisbury’s equaliser. With the Silkmen leading 2-1 after goals from Jennings and Turnbull, Salisbury began to push forward and as they worked the ball into the box – a Salisbury striker lost him footing, knocked the ball with his arm (unfortunately) leapt to his feet and collided with Steve Williams, leaving the boys in blue in disbelief as the referee pointed to the spot. You couldn’t make it up.

Tamworth (A) 0-2 FA TROPHY

A second string Macclesfield side were knocked out of the FA Trophy at the first attempt as Tamworth ran out the victors thanks to two goals in the last 10 minutes. Unanimous agreement that the League and FA cup is the priority thanks to our impressive results in both competitions, and John Askey’s team selection proved he thought the same.

December

Brackley Town (H) 3-2 FA CUP

The road to Wembley continues after a hard found victory against an impressive Brackley side. Danny Andrew fired home his first of the season as he darted through the Brackley defence, firing home from a tight angle. The Silkmen’s dominance grew as the away side’ goal was peppered with shots, but it wasn’t until just after half time that Scott Boden was able to head in the second. Minutes later however, Brackley pulled one back as Macclesfield took their foot of the gas – leading them to concede an equaliser 10 minutes later. Yet as the clock ticked down and the score tied at 2-2, Jack Mackreth skipped past two defenders and fired home to ensure Macclesfield progressed to the third round.

Cambridge (A) 0-3

The most difficult game of the season as the Silkmen travelled to Abbey Stadium looking to put an end to Cambridge’s 100% home record. The U’s impressive position at the top of the table is by no means a fluke as they looked impressive, organised and lethal in front of goal – running out 3-0 winners thanks to goals from Kwesi Appiah (x2) and Josh Gillies.

Salisbury (H) 1-0

Yet things are different when Macclesfield play at home as the Moss Rose is swiftly becoming a place opposing tema dread to visit. Truthfully, it appeared Salisbury had set up to defend and possibly nick a goal from a set-piece as the Silkmen tried every avenue possible to put themselves ahead. But it took until the 80th minute until substitute Danny Rowe’s cross was turned in by Steve Williams for a very well deserved 3 points.

Hyde (H) 3-0

The Skrill Premier’s basement club remained in 24th place and winless after their visit to the Moss Rose thanks to a comfortable 3-0 win for the Silkmen. Impressive direct free kicks from Paul Turnbull and Danny Andrew in the first 30 minutes put Macclesfield of their way, with a late Holroyd header completing the victory and handing Hyde their 20th league defeat of the season.

Grimsby (A) 3-2

Macclesfield enjoyed a fantastic end to 2013 as they pulled off a shock win at Blundell Park. First half goals from Boden and Holroyd but Grimsby fought back to level the score. However, a draw against 3rd in the division would still represent a worthwhile result – especially when Holroyd saw his penalty saved shortly after the hour mark. But it was the England C international Danny Andrews who settled it late on and sent the travelling fans home happy.

Here’s to an equally exciting 2014.