We must take our chances in cup, say duo

MACCLESFIELD Town duo Jack Mackreth and Mitch Hancox were hoping their side would learn from their mistakes ahead of the FA Cup second round replay with Oxford United.

The Silkmen were due to travel to the League One side as the Express went to print on Tuesday, following their 0-0 draw at the Moss Rose in the original tie earlier this month.

A win for Macc would have seen them book a place against Championship team Rotherham United in round three, and Mackreth and Hancox both had their fingers crossed ahead of the game.

Mackreth told the club’s official website: “We created a lot of chances and I thought we were strong defensively so we’ve just got to learn from it and take our chances next time.

“I had a few chances and Chris Holroyd was unlucky with a few and so was Paul Lewis, but we’ve just got to take the positives.

“We’ve just got to take each game as it comes and getting through to the next round will be good for the club.”

Hancox added: “To be fair, the lads put a great shift in. I feel a bit disheartened that we didn’t take our chances but it’s the FA Cup.

“We didn’t have that bit of luck. Jack hit the post which was unlucky and their goalkeeper pulled off a great save from Paul Lewis. To be fair to Oxford they had some chances in the second half but in the first half we could have killed off the game, but it was just one of those days.

“We will just go down to Oxford now and try to get a result. Hopefully we can get through.”

If Macclesfield beat Oxford, their third round clash with Rotherham would take place on the weekend of January 7.