Pleasing managerial debut for Campbell

MACCLESFIELD Town manager Sol Campbell insists there were plenty of positives to take despite his side’s penalty shootout defeat to Newcastle United U21 last week.

After the game finished 1-1 at St James Park, Macc were beaten 5-3 on penalties, but Campbell was pleased with what he saw from his side.

“There were a lot of positives. The main thing is that the lads worked their socks off, so the defeat was quite hard to take because we had some really good chances,” he said.

“If we had been a bit more clinical in the attacking areas then it would have been a different score. The guys have really taken on board how I want to play, and it was great seeing those runs and them threading the balls through.

“We just needed to get our first touch right and have the confidence to go for goal, as that lacked a bit in the last third. We got a good goal though and there was a lot to take from the game.

“The guys relished playing at St James Park and it’s always nice playing on a good pitch. It kind of made it a great spectacle as we were passing the ball in the right areas.

“Newcastle are a good side and some of their individual players are great ones for the future, but if we had taken our chances it could have been different.

“It went to penalties and that’s always a lottery, and we just missed out. That’s football, but we have got to learn from the situation when those scenarios appear again.

“I was extremely pleased with the fans as they have travelled a long way to watch their team. It’s always nice to have fantastic away support, and the players and I appreciated it, so hats off to them. It’s a shame we couldn’t get the win.”