Silkmen so close
FOOTBALL LEAGUE DIVISION 2 TRANMERE .................... 1 MACCLESFIELD..............0
DANNY Whitaker and Neil Howarth’s inaugural league match in charge of Macclesfield Town ended in defeat, as Harry Gilmour’s second-half strike proved the difference to seal the three points for Micky Mellon’s promotion-chasing Tranmere Rovers.
The defeat leaves the Silkmen still searching for that much needed first win back in the EFL.
However, a spirited performance from the Cheshire side may have ended differently if the inside of the post hadn’t denied Michael Rose’s superb free-kick minutes before the home side’s winner.
The result also ends Macc’s impressive Friday night unbeaten record, with the Silkmen tasting defeat on a Friday for the first time in four outings.
The Silkmen started positively on a wet and windy evening at Prenton Park that saw both teams looking to play from the off, with the hosts seeing most of the ball in the opening ten minutes of the match.
Rovers earned themselves a free-kick from a threatening position when Ollie Banks was brought down by Peter Vincenti. Adam Buxton took the set-piece and his right-footed effort was whipped around the Macclesfield wall before striking the post to deny Tranmere an early lead.
Malachi Napa was full of energy down the righthand flank, drawing two early fouls from the Rovers’ defence. Michael Rose took up his regular setpiece role and whipped a delightful ball into the Tranmere box, finding the head of Vincenti who faultlessly headed home.
However, much to the despair of the Silkmen midfielder, the goal was ruled offside to deny the visitors a dream start.
Rose picked up an early booking after bringing down a surging James Norwood, who was charging at the Macclesfield goal. The former Forest Green Rovers’ striker was a constant menace to the Silkmen back-four, looking to add to his impressive tally of eight league goals this season.
Jonny Smith got the home fans off their seat when his left-footed strike rocketed just over the crossbar giving Rhys Taylor a scare.
The Silkmen grew into the game, finding their rhythm in possession. Napa drew a save from Scott Davies following a clever one-two with Nathan Blisset before his strike was collected from the Rovers’ goalkeeper.
Macclesfield started where they left off in the second period, looking to test the Tranmere defence and oppose themselves in attack. Tyrone Marsh was awarded a free-kick after Luke Mucullough had impeded him.
Another Marsh effort at goal was met with a roar from the travelling Silkmen supporters, who started to believe they were firmly in this contest.
The opening scare of the second-half came after Tranmere nearly broke the deadlock against the run of play. Norwood once again was authoritative to win back the Rovers’ ball, before unleashing another venomous shot that was parried away by Taylor for a corner.
A glorious opportunity
It wasn’t to be for the Silkmen despite the heroic backing of the away supporters
fell again for the hosts when Norwood was once again unleashed by his Rovers’ teammates into a one-on-one with Taylor.
The Tranmere forward did well to completely bypass the Macclesfield defence with only the keeper to beat. However, his trickery was let down by his composure as his effort was hit straight at