Yates: ‘It’s time to stick together’
MACCLESFIELD Town are still searching for their first league win of the season after they were held to a draw at home to Mansfield Town.
The Silkmen trailed 1-0 at half-time after Malvind Benning got the opening goals for the visitors, but Harry Smith levelled things up on 63 minutes to ensure that the home side took a point from the match at the Moss Rose.
Macclesfield boss Mark Yates admitted his side was poor in the opening 45 minutes, but was glad to see the response from his players after the interval.
“It was a game of two halves. I picked a team that I thought would play on the front foot and attack, but we didn’t start the way we did last Tuesday,” he said.
“I was disappointed with that as we didn’t do enough in the first half. We didn’t play with the intensity we did against Cheltenham. I made three changes at half-time to try and get a foothold in the game, and they had the desired impact.
“We had numerous chances in the second half to score more goals, and even had a penalty appeal.
“I think that our performances have been good in general, but there are obviously things we can improve on. There are a lot of pleasing aspects and a lot of aspects we’ve got to keep believing in.
“When we get it together we’ll win games, and that’s what the message has been to the players. Our message to the supporters is stick together.
“We’re a great club and people need to realise how far the club has come in the last three to four years. To make sure this club is in the Football League next year we need to work together. It’s not about berating the chairman or individuals.”
Mansfield were the dominant side throughout the first half, creating a number of opportunities as they tried to make the breakthrough.
Tyler Walker had a shot which was parried out by Macc goalkeeper Kieran O’Hara, with Neal Bishop’s follow up then cleared off the line by James Pearson.
The Silkmen managed to avoid conceding up until the 32nd minute, but Benning then struck to put his team ahead. Otis Khan sent a cross into the box, allowing Benning to head home from eight yards out and make it 1-0 at half-time.
The display from his side in the first half led to Yates making all three changes at half-time, bringing on Callum Evans, Callum Maycock and Malachi Napa in place of Keith Lowe, Koby Arthur and Scott Wilson.
The substitutions appeared to work for Macclesfield, as the team was much better in the second half and were now competing with their opponents.
They began to create chances, and the equaliser came shortly after the hour mark. Pearson’s cross into the box was not dealt with properly, allowing Smith to score and register his first ever goal for the club.
Further chances for Macc followed as the match entered the closing stages, with the home side pushing forward as they looked to find a winning goal and complete the comeback.
They couldn’t find another though, with the Silkmen having to settle for a point as the match ended 1-1. The result leaves Macc second bottom in the League Two table, with Mansfield in 13th.
MACCLESFIELD TOWN:
O’Hara, Lowe (Evans 45’), Kelleher, Grimes, Pearson, Whitaker, Arthur (Maycock 45’), Fitzpatrick, Wilson (Napa 45’), Blissett, Smith.
SUBS NOT USED:
Marsh, Taylor, Welch-Hayes, Vincenti.