Fringe men step up to plate for AFC

AFC Macclesfield managed to come out on top in a high scoring game at Tarporley Victoria on Saturday.

With 10 of their first team players unavailable for selection, Macc’s strength in depth would be vital during the game, and after a fast start they managed to take the lead on 15 minutes.

Macclesfield’s Jack Hunter was fouled 30 yards from goal and Greg Mathers took the resulting free kick. Chris Coppenhall outjumped his marker and glanced his header into the far corner of the Tarporley net.

Macclesfield were looking comfortable, but out of nowhere, Tarporley made it 1-1. A misunderstanding between the midfield and defence allowed the Tarporley striker enough space to rifle the ball into the top corner of the Macc net.

The pace of the game didn’t slow down, and Macclesfield soon retook the lead.

Hunter was again involved as he calmly controlled the ball inside the opposition box and rolled the ball to the unmarked Mathers, who found the bottom corner of the net to leave the Tarporley keeper no chance.

The end to end action continued and on the stroke of half time it was 2-2. Tarporley finished a nice move to end the half the happier of the two sides.

The second half started as the first finished with both teams pushing for the win. After 55 minutes, Macclesfield were awarded a corner. Jonny Cavanagh found Chris Coppenhall who again beat his marker but his effort was cleared off the line. Luckily for Macc, Coppenhall was first to react and smashed the ball into the roof of the net to put his side back in front.

Against the run of play and with Macclesfield in control, Tarporley found their third equaliser when the Macc defence stopped, thinking the Tarporley striker was in an obvious offside position but the referee didn’t agree and it was 3-3.

With 20 minutes left to play, Macclesfield deservedly made it 4-3. A stunning through ball by Jonny Cavanagh found Mathers who rounded the goalkeeper and calmly slotted the home from an acute angle.

On 80 minutes, player/manager Ed Haslam could have put the game out of sight when Mathers swung in a cross to find Haslam with just the keeper to beat but his effort was well saved by the opposition goalkeeper.

It didn’t matter in the end as Macclesfield held on and picked up the win against Tarporley.