Silkmen return to action with point
SKY BET
LEAGUE TWO
WALSALL .......................... 1 MACCLESFIELD .............. 1
MILES WelchHayes first goal of the season was not enough to take all three points at the Bank’s Stadium as Macc returned to action.
Wes McDonald’s second half strike ensured the spoils would be shared despite Macc being forced to survive a late onslaught from hosts Walsall.
Having not played for two weeks after the suspension of the game against Crewe, Macc started on the front foot and it wasn’t long before their slick counter attacking football created the first goal.
In the 12th minute, Jay Harris manufactured the chance with a surging run, a quick give-and-go to Gnahoua followed before the ball found its way to Welch-Hayes on the corner of the box, he cut inside and lashed the ball past Liam Roberts for his first goal of the season.
Macc’s pressure continued as they looked to exploit spaces out wide in the Walsall back line. Jak McCourt’s curling shot went wide before Arthur Gnahoua nodded WelchHayes cross into the keeper’s hands.
As the half progressed, Walsall crept into the game. Mat Sadler’s header was flicked around the post by Owen Evans after Danny Guthrie’s corner with 25 minutes on the clock.
Macc held onto their lead, partly down to poor chance taking from the Saddlers. Josh Gordon did well to evade Nathan Cameron inside the box, but the defender recovered and cleared the ball to safety.
Macc took a one-goal lead into the break and it should’ve been doubled soon after the restart. Emmanuel Osadebe fed the ball to Gnahoua inside the Saddlers box, but his shot flew over the bar when he should’ve at least made Roberts work.
The Silkmen sensed blood and it was Harris who was next to have a shot at goal. His deflected effort from 35 yards clipped the crossbar and fell wide – another glorious chance for Macc.
Walsall would see a goal line scramble cleared by David Fitzpatrick on the hour mark in one of the more threatening attacks from the home side.
The Saddlers next dangerous attack would result in the equaliser. Cameron Pring’s pass found Wes McDonald who cut inside and curled past Evans to bring the game level.
The Silkmen had to soak up intense pressure after the goal as Walsall looked to find a winner. Evan’s heroics from a Josh Gordon shot and a Dan Scarr header kept Macc in the game as the hosts looked buoyed after McDonalds goal.
Fitzpatrick’s poor backpass was latched onto by substitute Elijah Adebayo who rounded Evans, but his shot was cleared off the line by a retreating Macc defender – a huge let off for apologetic full back.
The game had really opened up and now it was Macc’s turn to attack, Jay Harris’ powerful drive palmed into the feet of Cameron with the goal gaping, but he was stood in an offside position as he skied his shot over the bar
Walsall couldn’t find their winner and the game finished in a one all draw, a result Daryl McMahon will be relatively please about on Macc’s return to action.
Saddlers boss
Daryl
Clarke felt his side should have won the game.
“It feels like it’s two points dropped,” he said.
“I thought it was a disastrous start for us which then gets the place edgy, which you’d expect. We didn’t really recover from the slow start for a while to be honest.
“For me, it was an average performance, a frustrating performance but a game we should of won.
“If.we were to play that game again, we might win it three or four one.
“As disappointed as we were with the result, because at times we were poor, the fact of the matter is that sometimes it is two points dropped.
“Is it cutting edge that was missing or can we give a bit of credit to their ‘keeper?
“I think he’s pulled off three or four world class saves on the day.
“We were sloppy in possession and a couple of players had an absolute nightmare if I am being honest.
“You can analyse it until the cows come home but the fact of the matter is that we should win the game.
“The stats will tell you that, so it’s two points dropped.”
Evans, McCourt, Kelleher, Gnahoua (Ironside 79’), Harris, Welch-Hayes, Horsfall, O’Keeffe, Osadebe, Fitzpatrick,
Cameron. Subs: Charles-Cook, Clarke, Blyth, Gomis, Ntambwe
MACCLESFIELD TOWN: