Scott’s leading the case for the defence
DEFENCES win leagues, or so the theory goes. And in John Askey’s current backline the men involved have quickly evolved into a highlyeffective unit.
Braintree failed to break down Macc’s new-look back four while Woking huffed and puffed but were also frustrated.
And one of Macc’s summer recruits, Scott Barrow, is in no doubt as to the quality of the sizeable teammates to his right.
“Obviously I’ve got two big lads next to me (George Pilkington and Luke Waterfall) who are winning all their headers,” said the left-back, whose rehabilitation following a year-and-a-half on the sidelines is coming on in leaps and bounds.
“I think the back four have been brilliant, especially as we’ve not had that long to work together yet, in the three games we’ve had two clean sheets so
We’re unbeaten with two clean sheets, you can’t really ask for any more than that
we’re doing well, you can’t argue with that, or with seven points from the first nine.
“We’re still unbeaten with two clean sheets, you can’t really ask for any more.”
Former Swansea trainee Barrow impressed John Askey sufficiently in preseason for the Macc boss to take a punt on him and now that he’s taken on the number three shirt vacated by Danny Andrew, there’s a possibilty that he’ll be looking to get forward – never at the expense of his defnsive duties though.
“I started off as a leftwinger when I was a kid back in my Swansea days,” he added. “I love getting forward but I also love defending. They converted me into a left-back, I enjoy it there but when the gaffer wants me to go forward a bit more I won’t hesitate, even though my preferred position is left-back.
“I think he knows that, when the ball goes forward I can’t help myself, I’m trying to go overlapping and help out up there as much as I can.
“My main job is to defend first and go for- ward secondly, I didn’t get to go forward a lot against Woking but in games like that you have to think of a clean sheet first.
“Scoring goals and attacking is definitely second, the clean sheet is more important to me.”
Something else important to the 25-year-old, who’s spent most of his career in the Welsh Leagues but has Conference experience with Tamworth, is game time.
He suffered a cruciate
SHAY AWAY-DAY DATE CHANGE
THERE’S been a change to the Silkmen’s scheduled visit to Halifax Town.
Macc had been set to go to the Shay Stadium on April 4 (Easter Saturday) but the kick-off has been brought forward 24 hours to 3pm on Good Friday (April 3). ligament injury that put him out of action for 18 months.
And now that he’s back on the pitch Barrow’s enthusiasm is there for all to see.
It’s more than understandable, given that he’s been no more than a frustrated onlooker for month after agonising month.
“I’m settling in well, I was really happy to sign for Macclesfield,” he added.
“It’s been a long time out injured for me, about 18 months, so I’m just glad to be back playing football and I’m enjoying it.
“I think I’ve made a good start, I’m feeling quite sharp thanks to my physio, he’s kept my sharpness up and I feel fitter.
“I’ve still got room for improvement, but as I say, I’ve been out for 18 months so I’m gradually progress- ing but you always think you can do better or do more, that’s just me.
“Everyone’s critical in this game but I’m happy that my fitness levels are good, I’ve played a few 90 minutes now so it’s all good really.” MACCLESFIELD made it two out of two as they brought home the points from Telford, but how they were made to work for their victory.
In control and two goals up at half-time, they conceded with 10 minutes to go and somehow repelled the Bucks’ late advances to escape the Midlands with the points.
Adriano Moke slid in his first goal for the Silkmen with just three minutes on the clock. Macc had struggled to clear a free kick into the box but when they broke they did so with pace and precision.
With three attackers on the hunt Danny Whitaker sent Waide Fairhurst clear down the right and his low ball across was ideal for the winger to slide in under Jonathan Hedge.
Minutes later Chris Holroyd blazed over after Fairhurst’s blocked shot fell for him.
Just after the half-hour mark, Telford drew level in style, as left-back Andy Owens blasted one into the top corner from at least 30 yards.
Telford had barely threatened, their wastefulness with pot-shots illustrated by Adam Farrell, who destroyed the lettering on the top of the away stand.
But although the Bucks seemed to be edging nearer, Fairhurst’s alertness proved telling, with two goals in six minutes.
Firstly he turned in Scott Barrow’s wayward drive and then reacted first to grab his second after captain Paul Turnbull had seen his low shot parried by Hedge.
That two-goal advantage always looked like it would be enough for Macc and Paul Lewis was denied a deserved goal, Hedge somehow turning his header round the post.
The home team’s pressure stepped up a notch. But the torrents did nothing to dampen the Silkmen’s resolute spirit.
Taylor made a fine save to deny Owens a second goal but he was powerless to prevent Steve Akrigg from heading in the Bucks’ second with 80 minutes on the clock.
That sparked a real onslaught from Telford and Neill Byrne headed wide, Macc’s Luke Waterfall cleared one off the line and Sean Clancy volleyed a good chance over.
But Macc somehow withstood the Bucks’ efforts to keep their 100 per cent record intact.