Comeback bid fails for plucky AFC

CHESHIRE FOOTBALL LEAGUE ONE PILKINGTON ................ 4 AFC MACCLESFIELD . 3

AFC Macclesfield came up short with an incredible comeback as they suffered a narrow defeat on Saturday after losing a sevengoal match against second placed Pilkington.

Macclesfield seemed in full control from the outset but it was Pilkington who took an early lead.

A long ball from the Pilkington goalkeeper wasn’t dealt with by the normally reliant Mike Byrne, with his missed placed header finding the Pilkington front man who lobbed the on rushing Macclesfield goalkeeper Nick Ward.

Macclesfield continued pushing but couldn’t find the equaliser and on 30 minutes, disaster struck.

Nick Ward, who has been outstanding since Macclesfield signed him earlier in the season, had a lapse in concentration and a long distance shot trickled under his body.

Macclesfield were deflated and pushing forward to get on terms with Pilkington, but it got worse for the visitors when they conceded a third.

Poor marking on a corner allowed the Pilkington midfielder a free header to find the back of the net, making it 3-0 at half-time.

Macc knew they had to be quick out of the blocks if they wanted to take anything from the match, but 10 minutes into the second half, it was 4-0.

Scott Wright was caught in possession on the edge of his box and the Pilkington winger capitalised.

Macclesfield changed their formation and committed more men forward, and on the hour mark, Chris Coppenhall got them back in the game with a superb side footed finish.

Minutes later it was 4-2 when Jay Burgess finished a fantastic Macclesfield move to give his side a glimmer of hope.

On 75 minutes, Macclesfield’s dream of a comeback was well and truly on when it was 4-3.

Jack Hunter played in Jonnny Cavanagh who volleyed into the back of the net to score the best goal of the game.

Macclesfield were now dominating the opposition, and on 80 minutes, they thought they had done the impossible with Jay Burgess finding the back of the net but the referee deemed it offside.

It was a kick in the teeth for Macc, who had worked so hard to get something out of the game. Macclesfield’s pressed and pressed but the Pilkington keeper was on top of his game and kept out the opposition with a string of great saves to ensure that Pilkington picked up a 4-3 win.

Overall, a disappointing day for Macclesfield, but they can take heart from a great second half and with a little more luck, could have come away with a result.

Meanwhile, AFC Macclesfield Reserves entertained Golborne Sports Reserves at Mary Dendy in a hard fought game where Macclesfield were the victors, winning 3-2, with goals from Ben Knight, Lee Quinlan and Thomas Wowk.

This result leaves the Reserves two points behind leaders Mersey Valley FC Reserves with a game in hand.