AFC edge out rivals for promotion

CHESHIRE FOOTBALL LEAGUE 1 AFC MACC....................2 BILLINGE ......................1

SATURDAY saw the first ever meeting between AFC Macclesfield and Billinge FC, with Macc coming out on top after a hard-fought win.

The fixture escaped the fog and bad weather to set up a game that was important to both sides in their quest for the championship and promotion.

Both teams were coming off the back of two good results with Macclesfield running riot against Mersey Valley last week and Billinge beating league leaders Warrington Town to keep their position as second in the league.

The game started slowly with both teams not giving the other an inch.

With 25 minutes on the clock, the first real opportunity came when the Billinge centre forward was played into a one on one situation with the Macclesfield goalkeeper Nick Ward, but he made himself big and he pulled off a stunning save to keep the score line at 0-0.

Two minutes later, Macclesfield’s goal was being threatened again. The Billinge striker rounded Ward but Chris Coppenhall came from nowhere to clear the ball off the line.

After these early forays from the Billinge attack, Macc calmed the storm and kicked into gear.

Macclesfield pushed Billinge back and started to put pressure on the visitors and on the stroke of half time, it was 1-0.

Greg Mathers’ well struck effort was fantastically saved by the Billinge goalkeeper, but Jay Burgess was first to react to strike the ball into the back of the Billinge net.

Within a couple of minutes of the start of the second half, Macclesfield made it 2-0.

Tom Bowey picked the ball up from the left and drove at the Billinge defence. He let fly from 25 yards out to find the bottom corner to leave the goalkeeper with no chance.

With Macc in complete control, Billinge got back into the game and against the run of play scored a well worked goal in the 65th minute.

Macclesfield stuck to their task though and saw the game out and delivered the three points they deserved for their push for the top.

It was extremely difficult to name a man of the match with all the Macclesfield players deserving a mention. In the end, both Jonny Cavanagh and Jack Hunter shared the honour with both players putting in superb midfield displays.

Macc will now enjoy their Christmas before hoping to continue their good run of form in their next match.