Silkmen relishing challenge

MITCH Hancox says all of the Macclesfield Team squad are well aware of the competition for places in the team this season.

The Silkmen have had a good start to the season, having won seven of their opening 13 games, leaving them firmly in contention near the top of the National League table.

Macc’s good run of recent form has coincided with a number of players returning from injury, and Hancox has revealed that none of the squad are resting on their laurels.

“Competition for places is big this season and that’s important for everyone,” he told the club’s official website.

“The lads know that they have to perform well to stay in the team, so it’s up to the lads with the shirts to go out there, perform and pick up the wins.”

Macclesfield’s home form had been mixed this season, but they put in one of their best performances of the campaign when they defeated Aldershot Town 2-0 on Saturday.

Hancox now hopes the team can build on that and continue to perform in front of their home fans.

“We’ve been a bit up and down at home this season, similar to last season, so, hopefully, we can find some consistency,” he said.

“All games are tough, but when you’re going against a team that narrowly missed out in the play-offs last year, you know they’ve got quality.”

Hancox has performed well for Macclesfield since joining the club in 2016, and his hard work has been rewarded with a nomination in the North West Football Awards.

The 23-year-old is up for the Rising Star award, alongside a number of high profile names, including Manchester City’s Phil Foden and Manchester United’s Angel Gomes.

Hancox’s teammate George Pilkington has also been nominated for the National League Player of the Year.