New signing helps Macc to victory over Hatters
KRISTIAN Dennis condemned his own side to a defeat when he scored for Macclesfield Town to help them run out winners at the Moss Rose against Stockport County.
Dennis is on a seasonlong loan at the Silkmen from his parent club Stockport, and his first-half strike helped his new side pick up the victory.
Chris Holroyd got Macclesfield’s second just after the interval before Charlie Russell bagged a consolation for the visitors late on.
The Silkmen included four former Hatters in their squad – with Dennis, Danny Whitehead, Paul Turnbull and Danny Rowe all part of the side.
County boss Neil Young handed debuts to new signings Lewis Montrose and Jordan Thorniley, while Lamin Colley also featured in the starting XI.
Sefton Gonzales and Kay Odejayi dropped to the bench, while Sean O’Hanlon missed out entirely.
It didn’t take long before Dennis was causing problems against County, testing Danny Hurst with a low drive that forced a good save out of the goalkeeper.
At the other end, Joe Garvin shot wide from outside the home area, before Abs Baggie drilled an effort just beyond the left post from well over 30 yards out.
Theo Bailey-Jones was the next to threaten County’s defence, firing a dangerous cross into the box that Gareth Roberts eventually managed to clear.
Dennis went close on two further occasions, heading a Dan Cowan long-ball over the bar, before then testing Hurst once more with another speculative effort.
The 25-year-old eventually got his goal though, reacting quickest to a Stockport defensive stay alert. A corner was back to haunt County as error, before rounding the headed wide by Gonzales, the Silkmen soon doubled goalkeeper and scoring but the striker then turned their lead against the run from close range. provider, crossing from of play when Holroyd
His 44th minute strike the right to Garvin, who smashed an effort past proved to be the last looped an effort just Hurst from the edge of the significant action of the box.beyondthebar. half, with his goal handing Stockport thought they Macclesfield changed Macclesfield a 1-0 lead at had levelled things up their goalkeeper on the the break. when the ex-Clitheroe hour mark with Richie
Gonzales and Odejayi man had the ball in the Branagan coming off the joined the action as the back of the net, but the bench, and he was soon second half got underway, linesman had his offside called into action to deny with both men forcing the flag up. Glenn Rule. Macclesfield defence to That decision came Karl Ledsham then had the ball in the Macclesfield net for a second time, but once again it was ruled out for offside.
County continued to enjoy more of the possession but struggled to make their chances count, with Mark Lees slicing a shot across the face of goal.
Their hard work was finally rewarded just over five minutes from time when Russell get his team on the scoresheet.
Hurst’s long kick up the pitch eventually found its way to Odejayi, whose headed knock-down was blasted home by the left foot of Russell.
The remaining chances in the game fell to the Hatters as they went in search of a late equaliser, but Macclesfield managed to hold on for the win.
“The gaffer said early doors that it wasn’t about the results but as you do come towards the end of pre-season then it is nice to get that winning feeling.
“We’ve had a good few weeks so far and it’s been good to get as many minutes as possible. We don’t have a big squad so it’s all about trying to keep everyone injury-free.
“There are a few players still to come back from injury but the lads that played against Stockport all performed well.”
Holroyd has been with the Silkmen since 2013, making 70 appearances and scoring 14 goals.
While he would set himself targets in the past, he insists his main priority has now changed.
“I used to care about how many goals I would score but I don’t try to worry about it too much anymore,” he said.
“Obviously it is pleasing to get as many goals as I can but I’m focused on contributing for the team as much as I can.”