Macc hot shots
MACCLESFIELD Town put in one of their best performances of the season and picked up a hardfought victory at home to Aldershot Town.
Goals from Ryan Lloyd and Elliott Durrell helped the Silkmen pick up all three points against one of their promotion rivals at the Moss Rose.
Assistant manager Steve Watson was delighted with the win, and agreed it was one of the best displays he had seen from his team.
“The lads set the standard against Aldershot. It was a great result last week, but performance wise this week it was as good as any,” he said.
“If you look at the bench – we might not have a huge squad, but it’s full of quality – we’ve got very good players who are fit who can’t make the squad at the moment.”
It was a perfect start to the game for Macclesfield as they managed to take the lead after just 20 seconds.
Scott Wilson sent a low cross into the box which was turned home by Lloyd at the back post to score his first goal of the season.
The Silkmen looked to build on that opener when they pushed forward for a second goal, with the likes of Durrell and Danny Whitaker causing plenty of problems for The Shots.
The visitors had opportunities of their own though, with the Macclesfield defence called into action on several occasions to cut out moves lead by Cheye Alexander and Jim Kellermann.
Whitaker almost doubled Macc’s lead at the end of the first half when he got on the end of a good pass from Danny Whitehead, but a great last-ditch tackle from Will De Havilland denied him and the hosts had to settle for 1-0 at the break.
Durrell continued to prove a thorn in Aldershot’s side at the start of the second half, and his hard work was eventually rewarded with a goal when he found the net on 58 minutes.
His powerful effort from the edge of the box flew into the top corner, putting Macclesfield in a comfortable position.
Shwan Jalal was on hand to keep his clean sheet intact when he made a great reflex save a few minutes later, before Whitaker saw a similar effort also kept out at the other end.
Despite a few more Aldershot chances, Macc held on to pick up the victory and take all three points after an impressive performance.
Macc were on the road at Guiseley on Tuesday evening as the Express went to print, and they return to the Moss Rose on Saturday for a clash against Ebbsfleet United.
MACCLESFIELD:
Jalal; Hodgkiss, Lowe, Pilkington, Fitzpatrick; Whitaker (Kennedy 85’), Whitehead, Lloyd; Durrell (Burgess 75’), Wilson (Marsh 81’), Hancox. Subs not used: Toure, Arthur
‘If you look at the bench we’ve got very good players who are fit and can’t make the squad’