Visitors set tone early for tough clash
CHESHIRE FOOTBALL LEAGUE ONE AFC MACCLESFIELD ..... 1 ST HELENS ....................... 3
ST Helens brought a strong team to the SSV last Saturday for what was always going to be a tough game – and that’s how it turned out.
The writing was on the wall, when in the first minute, St Helens broke through the Macclesfield defence to hit the base of the goal post and fortunately, the ball went to safety. It was a warning that wasn’t heeded and the normally strong Macclesfield defence conceded a goal after only five minutes. Again is was Macclesfield who were their own worst enemy, playing some good football but losing the ball too easily to the opposition who were taking advantage of Macclesfield’s nervousness after going a goal down.
Take nothing away from St Helens, they were also playing some good football and working hard to stop Macclesfield’s pressure, but in the fifteenth minute, a brilliant run from Jack Banister on the left wing, beating four St Helens players, he put in a perfect cross for Jay Burgess to convert for the equaliser.
It was deserved, but Macclesfield were still making some simple mistakes putting St Helens on the front foot, and on the half hour mark, St Helens got their second. With their one goal lead, St Helens stood fast and set up a defensive formation to maintain their advantage.
Macclesfield came out for the second half with more determination, keeping the pressure on, but were still finding it difficult to break down the opposition.
After ten minutes into the second half, Banister found himself in the St Helens penalty box but a tackle by a St Helens defender was miss timed and he was brought down. It was inconceivable that a penalty was not going to be given, but the referee signalled play on. Both teams were surprised at the decision and it was a kick in the teeth for Macclesfield, left thinking it wasn’t going to be their day.
Ten minutes later, Macclesfield were at last awarded a deserved penalty and It was that man Banister again who was pulled back by a defender and the referee pointed to the spot. Jonny Cavanagh stepped up to take the kick but the St Helens keeper Chris Brinksman pulled off a good save, leaving Macclesfield wondering what they had to do to pull this game around.
The last fifteen minutes of the game was all Macclesfield, attacking a 10 man defence with St Helens determined to leave the SSV with all three points.
With only three minutes left on the clock, Macclesfield were awarded a corner and they threw everything at the St Helens defence including the advancing Macclesfield goalkeeper Ward who joined the Macclesfield players in the St Helens penalty area. Unfortunately, it ended in a comedy of errors!
The ball was cleared by the St Helens defence and their long clearance reached the only St Helens player in a forward position who was faced with an open goal. Beyond belief , he hit the post but fortunately for him, one of his own players following up saved his blushes and put the ball in the net for their third.
On a brighter note, AFC Macclesfield’s first team will face Cheadle Town Res in the Stockport Senior Cup Final on Friday May 12th, kick off 7pm at Stockport County’s ground, Edgeley Park. All support welcome!
Meanwhile, AFC Macc’s reserves welcomes Malpas for their penultimate league fixture and picked up an astounding 15-1 win. Goals from Jackson (6), Quinlan (2), B Griffin (2), Naylor (2), A Griffin, Windsor and Wowk.
The Reserves, play their Reserves League Cup Final tonight (Wednesday 5 April) at Barnton FC in Northwich, kick off 7.45pm. All support welcome.