Ten men dig in
MACCLESFIELD Town had to overcome adversity on Saturday as they narrowly defeated North Ferriby United at the Moss Rose.
The Silkmen went ahead thanks to a penalty from Danny Whitaker, but were then forced to play the majority of the match with 10 men after John McCombe was sent off.
Despite being a man short, Macc managed to hold on to grab all three points and continue their good run of form, much to the delight of manager John Askey.
“It was made difficult when John was sent off but the players worked their socks off again so credit to them,” he said.
“We limited North Ferriby to a few chances and it’s really pleasing being in the position that we’re in at the moment.
Askey made just one change from the side that started against Wrexham in their 3-0 win in the previous game, with Ollie Norburn coming in to replace Paul Lewis, who dropped to the bench.
It was a slow start to the match, with the only real chance in the opening 15 minutes coming when North Ferriby saw a move stopped after good work from Scott Flinders.
Danny Rowe then forced a good save out of opposition goalkeeper Rory Watson at the other end, before Macclesfield had a golden chance to open the scoring when they were awarded a penalty.
Chris Holroyd was brought down in the area by Mark Gray, allowing Whitaker to step up and convert the spot-kick to make it 1-0.
The game soon changed though as the Silkmen were reduced to 10 men just a few moments later when McCombe was con- troversially sent off for a foul on Reece Thompson just outside the area.
Askey was unhappy with the decision, believing it was an extremely harsh call by referee David Richardson.
Luckily for Macc, North Ferriby couldn’t take advantage with the freekick, as Connor Oliver fired the effort over the crossbar.
Macclesfield managed to carry that lead into the interval, and almost doubled their lead at the start of the season half when Whitaker forced a good save out of Watson.
Danny Rowe then threatened a few moments later, before North Ferriby began to take over as the match approached the hour mark.
The Silkmen had their backs against the wall as they tried to defend their lead with 10 men, with Thompson going close for the visitors when he smashed a shot against the crossbar.
With North Ferriby committing plenty of bodies forward, Whitaker almost caught them on the counter-attack when his long range volley went narrowly over.
Despite even more late pressure from the away side, Macc managed to hold on to secure the win and earn themselves all three points.
MACCLESFIELD:
Flinders, Halls, Byrne, Pilkington, McCombe, Hancox, Rowe (Lewis 90’), James, Norburn, Whitaker (Sampson 90’), Holroyd. Subs not used: Ross, Mackreath, Sutherland
Macclesfield Town General Manager Rob Heys has expressed his delight after seeing the Silkmen host its first ‘Disability Awareness Day.’
The Silkmen welcomed over 70 supporters with additional needs to the North Ferriby United game, with all enjoying the 1-0 victory for Macclesfield.
Speaking to mtfc.co.uk after the game, Rob said: “We were all really happy with how Saturday went. It was so pleasing to see so many supporters come and enjoy a game with us and of course the win helped! It’s very important for us to highlight the fact that the Club is a safe and accessible place for those who require a little extra assistance, in terms of the facilities we have to offer and the people that we have on hand to assist,particularly. in the Moss Lane Stand.”