Amateur Cup quest ended by Nomads

AFC Macclesfield were knocked out of the Cheshire FA Amateur Cup at the fourth round stage on Saturday after suffering a defeat at Linotype Cheadle Heath Nomads.

This was the fourth meeting in four years for the two teams, with Macclesfield taking the honours last season, going on to win the Stockport DA Senior Cup last May.

Macclesfield started slowly, looking nervous and it was a blow when after only six minutes, Linotype took the lead.

Linotype’s pressure caused a mix up in the Macclesfield back four and their striker took advantage and had an easy finish.

The goal kickstarted Macc and they tried to settle down to play the football they are renowned for against a team intent on imposing their physical presence on the game.

After 20 minutes, Macclesfield got the goal they deserved. It was a well worked goal with new signing Elliot Goodwin playing in a superb cross from the left to find skipper Greg Mathers, who finished well.

It looked like the two teams would be level at the break, but on the stroke of half time, a quick counter attack by Linotype resulted in a dangerous cross which found the onrushing midfielder who beat the Macclesfield defence to push the ball on and find the back of the net. It was a sucker punch for Macc and the goal couldn’t have come at a worse time.

Macclesfield’s captain and leading goal scorer Mathers didn’t come out for the second half after struggling with a hamstring injury, and he was replaced by Sam Dickov.

Macclesfield were now facing an uphill battle pushing for the equaliser, but again, Linotype caught their opponents on the counter to make it 3-1 with a good finish.

In the closing stages of the game, Jack Disney clipped the pressing Linotype forward in the box and a penalty was awarded, with Linotype converting to make it 4-1.

It was a disappointing day for Macclesfield but they can take heart from what they have achieved in the Cheshire FA Amateur Cup in their first year in the competition.

With a semi-final in the Stockport Senior Cup on the horizon and sitting well in the league, there is still plenty to play for.

Meanwhile, AFC Macclesfield Reserves were victorious on Saturday after defeating St Helens Reserves 2-1 in the quarter-final of the Reserves Divisions Challenge Cup.

Both teams started the game nervously, with neither taking control until FC St Helens created a chance which forced Macc goalkeeper Elliott Simpson to make a fantastic save, but unfortunately the save came at a price with Simpson pulling his groin and unable to continue.

The loss of the goalkeeper actually rejuvenated Macclesfield and they started taking control of the game thanks to the central midfield pairing of Lee Quinlan and Jordan Leigh.

Macc began to create a number of chances but were unable to convert until Matty Horton slotted the ball into the back of the net, after a good cross from the left wing.

Macclesfield continued to put pressure on St Helens but were unable to increase their lead before half time.

The second half saw a more even game although Macclesfield did create the clearer cut chances.

As the game approached the last 15 minutes, Macc began to become anxious and were sitting a little deeper, which allowed St Helens more space and time on the ball which resulted in an equaliser with 10 minutes remaining.

Instead of Macclesfield heads dropping, they immediately responded thanks to a great run from winger Jack Naylor who beat two players before driving in to the box and winning a penalty. Captain Jordan Leigh took the responsibility and struck the ball perfectly into the bottom corner.

Although the final five minutes were a little nervy, Macclesfield emerged victorious and will now face Denton Town Reserves in the semi-final.