O’Hara’s heroics tee up trip to West Ham

MACCLESFIELD Town shot-stopper Kieran O’Hara couldn’t hide his jubilation after the historic victory over Walsall, as the Silkmen progressed to the Third Round of the Carabao Cup for the very first time.

O’Hara proved to be the deciding factor in the Second Round encounter, with the Manchester United loanee producing three fantastic penalty saves to send Macc fans into raptures – whilst also preserving the club’s emphatic unbeaten record in penalty shoot-outs.

The Silkmen’s newest recruit couldn’t be any prouder of what he and the team have achieved.

“It feels so good!” said O’Hara. “Penalty shootouts are difficult for goalkeepers, but when you save three in a shoot-out then obviously you’re going to be the hero.

“It’s just good to help the team into the next round.”

The 22-year-old was in impressive form throughout the ninety minutes and had already saved a penalty from Andy Cook prior to the shoot-out, in spite of the rebound being scored.

“It was a tough game,” stated O’Hara. “We’ve come here where they have a great set-up, they’re a top side and they’re flying in the league above us.

“It had been a difficult game and they’ve got some good players, but we’ve got some good players as well.

“We’ve dealt with everything they have thrown at us and managed to put some past them as well.”

O’Hara is excited as to what the future holds for Macclesfield and how he hopes he can help the team to progress.

“I know that the club is ambitious, and we want to push ourselves and try to reach as far as we can in any competition,” he said.

“It’s good for me to be able to come in and help them do that.

“The support was outstanding, the fans really helped the lads and pushed them over the line. The boys really do appreciate all the support.”

The club was handed an away draw against Premier League giants West Ham in the Third Round and will make the journey down to the London Stadium to face West Ham United on Wednesday 26th September.

The game will kick off at 19.45.