In-form rivals seize on AFC injury crisis

AFC Macclesfield suffered a heavy defeat on Saturday when they returned to Cheshire League action to face an inform West Didsbury & Chorlton side.

With 12 first team players, including both goalkeepers, unavailable for selection through injury or other commitments, Macclesfield went into the game knowing they would be in for a tough afternoon.

Macclesfield started well, but two early chances were not converted which would eventually come to haunt them. On 10 minutes, Macc were then 1-0 down. After pressing by Macclesfield, a long ball from the West Didsbury defence wasn’t dealt with and the striker finished well to put the visitors ahead.

Macclesfield started to dominate the game and West Didsbury sat back before totally against the run of play making it 2-0. Another long ball over the top wasn’t dealt with, allowing the away side to grab their second.

Macclesfield didn’t give up and started to play some lovely football with passing through the thirds very quickly but were unable to provide that extra bit of quality to beat the visitors’ goalkeeper Betton.

Macc created many chances to score but they couldn’t find the back of the net, so it seemed it was going to be one of those days.

On the stroke of half time it was 3-0. Another long ball found the West Didsbury forward in a debatable offside position. Macclesfield couldn’t quite believe it. With all their dominance they were three goals down.

After the break Macclesfield stepped up even further and got themselves back into the game. Jack Banister had a shot superbly saved by Betton, but Jack Butterworth was on hand to tap it into the back of the net.

With Macclesfield pushing desperately to get a second goal they had to sacrifice their defensive duties to try and get a result their football deserved. This led to gaps at the back which West Didsbury capitalised on, allowing them to grab two more in the last few minutes of the game.

The game finished with a score line which flattered West Didsbury and Chorlton and a very disappointing day for Macclesfield after suffering their worst ever defeat since forming last year.

AFC Macclesfield Reserves lost 2-1 at home to Moore United from Warrington. It was a similar story to the first team. They created many chances but couldn’t convert them into goals.

Both teams will hope to return to winning ways in their next game.